Campbell denies unsportsmanlike claims
Bernie McGuire, Munich, Germany
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010
Michael Campbell has vehermently denied claims of unsportsmanlike behaviour during last week's U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.
The story was written by a sports columnist for a little known California newspaper and then picked up by bigger news outlets such as the Oakland Tribune and the Boston Herald.
In the article, Campbell is accused of 'ditching golf protocol' by playing out-of-turn and also putting out on the 18th green before his playing partners had reached the green.
The former U.S. Open champion has refuted this claim indicating the columnist wrote a totally inaccurate piece simply because Campbell would not grant him a post round interview.
"If this fellow was any sort of sports writer he would have checked the facts with my playing partners before writing his story," said Campbell from Munich where he is contesting this week's BMW International Open.
"What this chap has written could not be further from the truth. I was approached for an interview after my round but it just was not convenient at the time to talk.
"Those golf journalists who know me, know how approachable I am and this has not changed given the frustrating spell I am going through at present.
"I have always been obliging when it comes to the media but just because I said 'No, not at this time'' to this fellow who I have never ever seen before at a golf tournament, he takes hommage by writing a totally inaccurate story.
"He never spoke to me before or after any of my practice rounds nor did he approach me after my first round but just because I don't stop and speak with him after my round on Friday I am now accused of playing out-of-turn and putting out before my playing partners had reached the green.
"Well, let's get the facts straight!
"I asked Paul (Goydos) my playing partner if I could play up to the green and he said that was no trouble at all. Then to distort the truth by saying I putted out before either Paul or the young Korean in our group had reached the green, is just absolutely ridiculous.
"I read his totally fabricated article and also nowhere do I see any comments regarding the matter from either Paul Goydos or Noh.
"But then why let the truth stand in the way of a good negative story?"
Campbell's caddy, Roy Robinson, supported Campbell's remarks.
"How can anyone standing behind the ropes hear what is said between players," said Robinson.
"If this guy was half a journalist he would have checked the facts before distorting the truth."