Campbell willing to fuel nation's pride

Michael Campbell, the latest US Open Champion, is willing to inspire an entire nation towards sporting excellence.

"I know it is a huge responsibility, but this is something I think I am capable of shouldering as the latest winner," Campbell told Gulf News during a brief transit through Dubai yesterday along with wife Julie and sons Thomas (7) and Jordan (4).

The modest Kiwi joined the golfing elite as a Major Champion, when he won the US Open Championship this year despite a late charge from the world's best player, Tiger Woods.

In doing so, Campbell became the first New Zealander to win a Major since Bob Charles way back in 1963.

"It's such an honour for me to be in the same league as Bob Charles. This only means that I will work hard on my game," Campbell affirmed.

Wild celebrations

Campbell's win on June 19 became an iconic part of New Zealand's portfolio of sporting excellence.

Parliament was suspended to watch the Kiwi bag this rare honour, and Prime Minister Helen Clarke's personal congratulatory message was one among the thousands he graciously received.

A guest of sponsors Emirates, Campbell stopped over in Dubai yesterday morning en route to Auckland to face an imposing army of celebrating Kiwis.

"The celebrations are going to be huge. I am sure this will not change me as I know for a fact that I will probably inspire a whole generation of kids to play golf henceforth, either directly or indirectly," Campbell said.

And Campbell, the sportsman and the ambassador, is relishing this thought. "I know I am a role model back home. Now, kids will look up to me and aspire to be golfers," he smiled.

"But then, that's how I became a golfer. I used my own role models such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Ben Hogan."

Though saddled with an immense responsibility, Campbell is aware that he can come through as a better player and an even better human being.

"I will still be the same. Though this win has changed my lifestyle, it has also helped change my whole attitude towards myself and towards golf," he admitted while narrating how "disappointed" he was after failing to win at the British Open.

"My expectations are a lot higher now. Ending short of victory is now a huge disappointment for me. I always have this feeling that I could have done better, or even could have won it," Campbell shrugged.

"And if there is anything that really matters to me right now, it is my own expectations."

The Kiwi is also aware of the pressure that goes along with the tag of winning a Major.

"Oh yes, there is pressure now. But I've somehow got to live with it. People and more importantly, other golfers know that I am from the big league and am capable of winning whenever I enter a tournament," he said.

"I've got my formula right and I don't think there is any need to change that," he insisted.

Campbell will spend the next 10 days in New Zealand before going to the US for his next event.