Campbell lines up for another crack at the $2 million New Zealand Open on his home course starting tomorrow.
The size of his gallery — crammed with family, friends, club members and high rollers who have backed the LIV golfer for years — might only be matched by that of rising star and fellow Millbrook member Ricky Kang.
The Otago No 1 grabbed the final place in the 156-strong Open field with a playoff victory at the qualifying tournament at Cromwell on Monday.
"I’ve watched Ricky grow up over the years and get better and better," Campbell said yesterday.
"He’s from an amazing golfing family here and he’s going to be a really impressive golfer. It’s so good for him to get through.
"He’s played round here a lot, and he’s really stepped it up in the last year and played some good golf, so I’m sure he’s one in the future to look out for."
Campbell, 34, is always going to be front and centre in Open week due to both his home-club status and the fact just one New Zealander, Michael Hendry in 2017, has won the tournament since Otago great Mahal Pearce’s thrilling 2003 victory.
He feels happy with his game, coming off a tie for 17th at LIV Adelaide, and if there is any pressure to win the Open after having been runner-up twice, it is easily out-weighed by the comforts of home.
"It’s great playing in front of all the members, and I don’t get to play in front of family and friends a lot.
"It’s always nice when you rock up to the first tee and there’s a lot of people there. I love it.
"It’s very special to play in front of a lot of people who support you throughout the year. And it’s an amazing club, Millbrook, with a lot of cool members."
Campbell is intrigued to see what effect some extra rough around the course might have on scoring.
"We’ve had plenty of rain. I’ve never really seen the hills around here and Queenstown looking this green. Great if you’re a farmer.
"December and even January was really tricky practising here. We just didn’t get much settled weather.
"It will change a few things. I normally hit driver everywhere, but there’s a couple of holes I’m going to hit 3-wood this year.
"With the greens nice and fast, and with some good solid rough, probably the scores won’t quite be where they’ve been the last couple of years."
While Campbell chases his own dream, a runner-up from last year is back for another crack at the New Zealand Open.
South African golfer Ian Snyman jokes the extra travel is turning his hair grey but there is no place he would rather be this week than Queenstown.
He is a rarity on the Asian Tour — dominated by golfers from Asia and Australia — as he travels to and from his Cape Town home.
Snyman tied for sixth at Millbrook in 2024 before finishing in a three-way tie for second, one shot behind unheralded winner Ryan Peake at 23-under, last year.
He and Japanese golfer Kazuki Higa — Australian Jack Thompson was the other in contention — did everything they could down the stretch.
"It was a fight out there the whole day," Snyman recalled.
"Obviously we didn’t know what Ryan was doing behind us but we were battling it out, going blow by blow, making birdies.
"We didn’t have any blemishes that day, which was nice. We were kind of feeding off each other, and we both had a chance coming down the stretch."
Snyman rates Millbrook as it is not geared exclusively to golfers with plenty of length in their clubs.
"You don’t necessarily have to be a long hitter, even though it does help.
"You just have be slightly above average in terms of distance and you can get past most of the bunkers, which does make a difference, especially on the par-5s.
"A lot of finesse is required around Millbrook. It’s open for anyone, I would say."
