Kiwi golfing great Michael Campbell will come out of retirement to contest the 100th New Zealand Open in Queenstown in February.
Campbell, who famously beat Tiger Woods to win the 2005 US Open, hasn't played competitively for three years, but he'll tee up at Millbrook Resort and The Hills, as he plans to kickstart his comeback on the senior tours.
Along with Sir Bob Charles in 1963 (The Open Championship), Campbell is the only other Kiwi to have won a golf major.
His 50th birthday on February 23 coincides with the week of the NZ Open (February 28-March 3). Achieving the half-century means he now qualifies for the PGA and European senior circuits.
Campbell said he was excited to celebrate the two milestones in his home country of New Zealand.
"I am very excited to be coming back home," he told Newshub from Spain. "It has been a very long time since I last played in the New Zealand Open.
"I'm turning 50 and the NZ Open is turning 100, so it’s a lovely correlation there.
"I've got no expectations, but I'm excited about celebrating New Zealand golf and enjoying the moment. If I play well, that's a bonus."
Campbell's name adds to the big list of Kiwis competing in the event, including Ryan Fox, Michael Hendry, Steve Alker and Ben Campbell.
Hendry was the last New Zealand winner of the tournament in 2017, while Campbell tasted victory in 2000.
He said he couldn't wait to reunite and compete with some old mates on the Senior Tour.
"I want to open the second chapter of my life and that is by joining the Senior Tour, and enjoying myself.
"I'm not going to play 30-35 events a year, no way. I've done that for 25 years.
"One thing I have missed over the last few years is competing and I'll be playing against my old mates, so it will be good to see them and play some good golf."
Newshub.
