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Campbell out for revenge at Volkswagen Masters-China

New Zealand's Michael Campbell is out for revenge when he headlines this week's Volkswagen Masters-China with South African star and title holder Retief Goosen.

The 2005 US Open champion remembers vividly how Goosen sped off with a spectacular six-shot triumph in Beijing last year but the Kiwi ace is bent on turning the tables at Sanya's Yalong Bay Golf Club, which holds fond memories for him.

"I came close to winning but unfortunately Retief played too well and ran away with it. I remember he shot seven-under on the front nine during the final round. As soon as I knew I was coming back, I want to get my revenge. That's why I'm here. Hopefully I can go one better," said Campbell today.

The scenic Yalong Bay brings good vibes for the 37-year-old Campbell, who enjoyed a career-best season in 2005 with a maiden Major victory that led to accolades from golf great Jack Nicklaus and even the United Nations, who made him a Goodwill Ambassador.

Campbell ended a frustrating run of missed cuts at Yalong Bay during last year's TCL Classic, finishing tied 12th, and it eventually led to his US Open triumph just months later. "When you've played well on a course, you always feel comfortable coming back," said Campbell.

"It's nice to be back. This (venue) sparked my year in 2005 which led to the Open win. But when I played here 18 months ago, it was a different golf course. The rough is up and it's going to be a lot tougher. There were 20-under par scores or better here previously but it could be 10 or 12 under this week," said the eight-time European Tour winner.

Campbell added that his globe-trotting ways was also reinforced by a letter from Nicklaus, golf's all-time leading Major winner. "I had the pleasure of receiving a hand-written letter from Jack Nicklaus, saying well done for winning at Pinehurst. As a Major winner, he said I had a responsibility of playing around the world. I'm a global player and I enjoy playing in different parts of the world, including Asia. That’s why I'm here."

Like Campbell, who is chasing a first victory of 2006, the smooth-swinging Goosen is eyeing a repeat victory at the Volkswagen Masters-China, the 24th leg of this season's Asian Tour.

"I like the course and it's going to be tricky and tough. I'm very much looking forward to the week and hopefully on Sunday I'll have a chance to win it again. I'm actually disappointed we're not on the same golf course (as last year) but it's always nice to be back to defend," said Goosen.

With eight top-10s this season, including two runner-up finishes and a third place at the US Masters, Goosen feels he should have already added to his tally of 25 international victories this season.

"I've not played as well as I know I can play. I have had some good finishes but not really winning. I think it's been due to my putting but mainly I've not hit it close to the hole to make the putts. If you keep hitting it to 50 feet from the hole, you're not going to make a lot of putts. I would say maybe my long game has kept me from scoring well," said Goosen.

China's Zhang Lian-wei, a winner of five titles across the region, is hoping a new putter in the bag will spark a revival in form as he looks to improve on last year's third place finish at the Volkswagen Masters-China.

"My putting has been bothering me for a long time. I have problems converting from three to six feet. Although I've won twice on the China Tour this year but outside of China, I've not performed well. Last year, I finished third behind Retief and Michael. I wish the order will be opposite this week," he smiled.

European Tour star Phillip Price and eight of this season's winners on the Asian Tour, including Thailand's Prom Meesawat - presently second on the UBS Order of Merit – and last week's Taiwan Open champion Lin Wen-tang of Chinese Taipei, will also challenge for the Volkswagen Masters-China title.


October 10, 2006