Campbell welcomes McDowell into 'U.S. Open Winner's Club'
Bernie McGuire, Munich, Germany
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
Michael Campbell has welcomed Graeme McDowell into the ‘U.S. Open Winner’s Club’ and also offering the champion Northern Ireland player some timely advice.
Campbell brilliantly kept Tiger Woods at arm’s reach in 2005 to become only the second New Zealander to capture a Major in winning at Pinehurst.
McDowell did much the same at Pebble Beach to end a 40-year drought in the event as a European-born winner.
And while Campbell looks to rekindle that form, the Callaway player was full of praise for McDowell.
“Graeme has just got to enjoy the moment and enjoy being U.S. Open champion for 12 months,” said Campbell.
“He also shouldn’t try to put too much pressure on himself. That was a mistake I made and that was putting too much pressure on myself.
“But then Graeme’s win was fantastic as he had strong challenges from all quarters including Greg Havret, Ernie and Tiger.
“Though any time you win a Major with Tiger in the field is always very special and I have to say Graeme has always struck me as having the pedigree to win a Major.
“He’s got so much experience under his belt and he’s also a good lad. It’s just so nice to see a new face win a Major championship.”
Campbell was speaking in Munich where he will contest the Euro 2m BMW International Open.
It is only Campbell’s fourth appearance in the event after competing in 2008 and also 1998 and 1997.
Campbell’s will tee-up at 7.40am local time Thursday in the company of Australia’s Richard Green and Sweden’s Martin Erlandsson.