It's been a long road for Michael Campbell from Titahi Bay to achieve a high ranking in world golf. As well as having a dream and some natural talent, it still takes hard work and discipline, the humility to learn from hard lessons, and reserves of inner strength to keep going through hard times.
Campbell was born in the small New Zealand town of Hawera, near the beautiful Mount Taranaki. His start in golf was to caddie for his dad (who played off a single figure handicap at Titahi Golf Club) and he joined the golf club himself at age 10 - and had a handicap of 11 by age 12.
Although the family supported Campbell's ambition to become a pro golfer, they also encouraged a 'Plan B'. So he worked for Telecom NZ after leaving college, qualifying as a telephone technician. At the same time, whenever he was able, Campbell would practice his swing.
Campbell turned professional in January 1993 and in only his fifth start he won the Canon Challenge on the Australasian Tour. The following year he traveled to Europe to play the Challenge Tour and won three events to secure a full European Tour card for the 1995 season. He really made his mark on the international stage when he led the field after three rounds of the 1995 Open Championship at St Andrews. Although he fell away to finish in a tie for 3rd place, he had made a lasting impression with the quality of his game and demeanor.
In 2005, the USGA introduced an international qualifier for the US Open for the first time. Michael had originally intended to miss this event before filing a last minute application to play - a decision that changed his golfing life forever. He successfully claimed one of the 9 exempt spots into the US Open and the rest as they say, is history. Cambo, as he is known to fans, felt comfortable at Pinehurst the moment he stepped onto the course and quietly posted scores of 71, 69 and 71 to stake a claim for the title. On a dramatic final day, Campbell kept his cool under immense pressure to hold off a charging Tiger Woods on the back nine and win his first Major Championship. Such was significance of his achievement back home, the start of the New Zealand Parliament was delayed while ministers followed his progress over the closing holes!
Proving that his first Major success was no flash in the pan, Campbell confirmed his new status as a major player by finishing 5th at The Open Championship and 7th at the US PGA. His second victory of the season came at the HSBC World Match Play Championship at Wentworth in October, where he memorably beat fellow US Open champion and top seed Retief Goosen in the semi-finals, before overcoming Paul McGinley 2&1 in a tense final.
Campbell's natural talent and steely determination, steadied by the support of his family, meant that he never lost his resolve to be the best golfer he could be. While the US Open victory is undoubtedly the high point in his professional career so far, he is looking forward to the challenge of building on this success which makes for an exciting future for this highly respected and amiable Kiwi star.
Outside of golf, Campbell created the Michael Campbell Foundation to inspire young New Zealanders to realize their full potential. This will be achieved by building a ‘Talent Pyramid’ based on healthy lifestyle, discovering talent and nurturing excellence.
Campbell resides in Australia and England with his wife and children.
Michael Campbell, US Open Champion, is available through IMG Speakers Bureau for speaking engagements. Michael Campbell is also available for meet and greets, golf clinics, golf outings, corporate hospitality events and much more. Please contact IMG Speakers at 212-774-6735 or speakers@imgworld.com for more information on booking Michael Campbell.
About IMG Speakers
IMG Speakers, a division of IMG Worldwide, Inc., is a leading speakers bureau and celebrity talent agency representing today’s best motivational speakers. We secure celebrity talent for FORTUNE 500 companies, trade associations, healthcare organizations, corporate hospitality programs and special events. Our extensive client roster includes professional corporate speakers, head coaches, sports broadcasters, current and retired professional athletes, inspirational keynote speakers, award-winning chefs, business executives and television personalities.
Explore IMG Speakers bureau’s complete roster of talent to find the right keynote speaker for your next event.
About IMG Speakers
IMG Speakers, a division of IMG Worldwide, Inc., is a leading speakers bureau and celebrity talent agency representing today’s best motivational speakers. We secure celebrity talent for FORTUNE 500 companies, trade associations, healthcare organizations, corporate hospitality programs and special events. Our extensive client roster includes professional corporate speakers, head coaches, sports broadcasters, current and retired professional athletes, inspirational keynote speakers, award-winning chefs, business executives and television personalities.
Explore IMG Speakers bureau’s complete roster of talent to find the right keynote speaker for your next event.
