Campbell, the 2005 US Open champion, announced yesterday he was withdrawing from the New Zealand PGA at the Clearwater course, in Christchurch, from March 5-8 because of a recurring shoulder injury.
While there was no mention of the Open, which follows at The Hills a week later, the indication is that the country's most prominent golfer will not be fit to join Sir Bob Charles, New Zealand's only other Major winner, for his home Open.
With much of the 154-strong field at the Open expected to consist of talented but little-known American and Australian golfers, the loss of a marquee player such as Campbell would be a disappointment.
It could leave the ageless and dignified Charles, US Amateur champion Danny Lee and world top-100 player David Smail as arguably the most marketable New Zealand golfers in the field.
Dunedin golfer Mahal Pearce, the last New Zealander to win the Open (2003), recent British Open qualifier Josh Geary and long-time professional Phil Tataurangi should be among the other notable names.
Campbell, who turns 40 on Monday, has decided he will not have enough time to prepare for the New Zealand PGA.
He initially hurt his shoulder while taking luggage off an airport carousel in November but played on, using some pain-killing drugs, because he had been in a strong run of form.
Campbell said he now regretted that decision, as the shoulder injury had continued to cause him bother, forcing him to withdraw from his last three scheduled events.
Bob Tuohy, the organiser of both the Open and the PGA, said it was "a great shame" Campbell could not play at Clearwater, but he understood the frustration the golfer must be experiencing.
"He has tried to come back and play a couple of times only for the injury to flare," Tuohy said.
"He is due to check with his specialists in Melbourne which will give a clearer picture on when he is likely to resume his tournament schedule."
Campbell, who won the New Zealand Open in 2000, shot 73-76 at the first Open held at The Hills, in late 2007, and missed the cut.
While his form has fluctuated since his US Open win at Pinehurst in 2005, Campbell is still a huge drawcard and those who want the second Open at The Hills to match the excitement of the first will be desperate to see him make an appearance.
Three weeks is a long time in golf and it will not be until much closer to the Open that the field - 156 golfers - is confirmed.
Many of the top contenders will come from the PGA Tour's subsidiary, the Nationwide Tour, which is co-sanctioning the New Zealand Open for the first time.
The top Nationwide players are competing on a three-tournament swing, starting with the Moonah Classic in Australia next week and continuing with the New Zealand PGA and New Zealand Open.
Nominations for places in the Open field closed yesterday.
Many of the country's leading amateurs will play at the sole qualifying tournament at the Christchurch club on March 9.
A handful of experienced Australian golfers are also expected to prop up the field in Arrowtown, with the popular Craig Parry confirming he is returning to the Hills.
Parry, the New Zealand Open champion in 2002, had knee surgery last year after tearing his medial meniscus but is now fit.
He finished in a tie for fourth at The Hills two years ago after firing a 66 in the final round.
