Eighteen Years Since Campbell First Competed In Holland
Bernie McGuire, Hilversum.
Wednesday, September 7th, 2011
It’s hard to believe it has been 18 years since Michael Campbell first contested a KLM Open.
That was in 1993 and it was one of four main Tour events Campbell played in what his first ever taste of European Tour competition.
Campbell returned this year, and joining Rory McIlroy as two U.S. Open champions in this year’s Dutch field.
However a severe storm on Tuesday night and continued rain throughout most of Wednesday turned the Hilversum range into a series of water hazards.
Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie
Campbell sought to fine a ‘drier’ corner of the range as hit balls over the water hazards, and with caddy John White looking on.
“It’s a weird site seeing water hazards all about the range but then there’s been so much rain here in this part of Holland,” said Campbell.
“The range itself is saturated while the course is pretty wet, and it was no surprise the officials decided to first reduce the Pro-Am to nine holes before abandoning the event.
“Hopefully it will dry up quickly as it’s a great traditional old style course and very much some of those gems in England like Woodhall Spa, Swinley Forest, Sunningdale and Walton Heath.”
And those fans of Campbell will know just how fond Campbell is of playing at Walton Heath as it was at Walton Heath in 2005 where he qualified for the U.S. Open.
Weather permitting, Campbell begins his KLM Open quest at 1.50pm local time.
