Ben Campbell joins LIV’s Range Goats

Ben Campbell joins LIV’s Range Goats

By Neville Idour

New Zealand professional Ben Campbell has finally reaped the reward of a patient and tireless 12 months globetrotting to all 2024 LIV Golf events as a travelling reserve. He has signed a one year contract with Bubba Watson’s Range Goats Golf Club team.

Travelling to all 14 events in 2024, he played just six competitive rounds of golf, having twice come so close to gaining a full LIV spot.

Ben Campbell : file

World ranked at 137, the 33-year-old finished the 2024 season second on the Asian Tour order of merit and third in the International Series standings, and the highest finisher not already on the LIV circuit.

Watson chose Campbell after an extensive search.

“We looked everywhere, including the best amateurs,’’ Watson said.

``Not just for an American, but someone who can help us going forward.”

The Range Goats team is Watson, Campbell, Matthew Wolff and Peter Uihlein.

Campbell says the thousands of extra air miles have been completely worthwhile and the taste of the LIV experience left him hungry for more.

“Everyone works so hard to be there,’’ said the former Wairarapa golfer who is these days based in Queenstown.

``That’s what I have taken away from it. You look at how hard Phil Mickelson works at his age. It gave me a lot of confidence that the things I am doing are correct.

Campbell is looking forward to a few weeks at home before he plays the first LIV event in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, from February 6. He will also be focussing on the 2025 New Zealand Open at the end of February.