Campbell Answers Alpine Challenge
Bernie McGuire, Crans Montana, Switzerland
Friday, 31st August, 2012
Michael Campbell could rightfully feel proud as he sat down in the locker room following his second round in the Omega European Masters.
Campbell had toughed-out some of the wettest and coldest two days competitors had experienced on the Crans-sur-Sierre course for some time.
After near 25 degree Celsius temperatures on Wednesday, the Alpine course was deluged on Thursday and then with more rain soaking the course on Thursday night and early Friday morning.
However for the much part Friday’s play was rain free but then it was also very cold, so much so, there are suggestions it could snow on Saturday.
Campbell posted scores of a one under 70 and then a second day 71 to remain at one under par but ensure himself of a weekend appearance in the Swiss event.
The efforts of the 2005 U.S. Open champion continues an impressive effort on the Seve Ballesteros course with Campbell now having made the cut in 13 of 16 appearances since first contesting the event in 1994.
“I’ve always enjoyed coming here to Switzerland and that’s why you’ll find the tournament is always on my schedule,” he said.
“But I have to say these two days were two of the hardest we’ve had up here in the Alps for a long time.
“Yesterday was pretty miserable and today just so cold, so it’s nice feeling making the cut and keeping a pretty good record going up here.”
Campbell’s best finish in the event was runner-up in 2003 to good friend and fellow U.S. Open winner, Ernie Els.
However Campbell did taste success earlier in 1994 before making his European Masters debut having won the Memorial Oliver Barras event on the Challlenge Tour.
It was Campbell’s first pro victory outside of either Australia or his native New Zealand, and also was the first of three wins on the Challenge Tour in 1994 that led to him joining the main European Tour in 1995.
“Woh, it’s 18 years ago since I won up here but then I still remember it quite well and even though it has been a long time ago you always draw on memories when you play well on any golf course,” he said.
“I’ve driven the ball pretty well this week which has been really pleasing but just a little rusty around the greens.”
England’s Danny Willett enjoyed the clubhouse lead at eight under par as the afternoon half of the draw took to the course. Willett, who turns 25 in just over a month, posted a second round 67 to lead fellow Englishman David Howell (70) by two shots.
