The 2005 US Open winner is still seeking his first win on the over-50’s Tour but is aware just how tough it will be to break that duck at the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship.
Colin Montgomerie is hosting the event which also features two-time Major winners John Daly, José María Olazábal and Angel Cabrera. The 2003 US PGA Championship winner Shaun Micheel is also playing, as is local hero Paul Lawrie – who won the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie.
As with so many players, Campbell loves links golf and the switch to being a more creative, imaginative player on the golf course – and this is a golf course which is right up at the top of his hitlist: “I love it, it’s one of my favourite venues of the year. You’ve got to use your imagination especially when it blows there, it’s a tough golf course. Sometimes you can’t get too close to the hole, so you’ve got to accept that par is sometimes a very good score.”
Campbell finished in third place at this event last year on a score of two-under-par, however, that was ten shots back from the winner: “12-under-par for Peter Baker to win at Trump International Golf Links last year, I mean that was a freak week for Bakes! It’s a tough test of golf and I love that.
“If you go through my record of all the majors, I’ve always played well in the Open and came close a couple of times. I love to manoeuvre the ball at different heights and shapes and stuff like that, so that’s why I think it really suits me.
“I think it’s a fair course, it’s quite wide open in certain places off the tee. The greens are very undulating, and you’ve got to shape your ball both ways. That’s one thing I love about the golf course, and it’s so picturesque with a couple of holes out here right next to the ocean, it’s just a real diamond.
“It’s going to be a nice week again, depending on the weather – that makes a big difference. The score that Baker shot last year was just phenomenal, he was obviously on great form and playing well. I knew it was going to be tough to pull it back from him, because he was flying with confidence and momentum having won a couple of times already last season before then.”
The thrill of this event and playing in Legends Tour events is the level of engagement with spectators for many of the players. No gallery ropes means that fans can get closer than in any other Tour to seeing stars of the game in action. Witnessing it all, along with the highs and lows for the players is special for those attending, while for Campbell, Trump International Golf Links is enjoyable for the constant test it provides. A strong set-up, nestled amongst the Great Dunes, although he does have a stretch of holes he particularly enjoys: “There is not a weak hole on the golf course. The par four short 7th hole gives you a tough shot – it is a risk and reward kind of hole. You can be hitting a five iron or four iron off the tee and you can hit wedge in or you can go for the driver, but the green is so tiny and so undulating. You can hit it pin high for your drive on a par four there and you’re faced with a difficult chip. You’ve got a tough run through eight and nine as well, seven, eight and nine, every hole is challenging. There’s no gimme birdie holes, you’ve got to work for it – that’s one thing I love about links golf, and this course is one of my favourites.
“It’s just hitting different shots. You might have 130 yards where you can hit a chippy 60-degree wedge or you can sometimes be hitting like a seven iron! The difference in shot making is something I really, really enjoy. I grew up in Wellington, playing in wind all the time, so I’m used to that kind of stuff. I see it quite easily every time I come to a situation that’s testing like that – I see it straight away. Most of the time I play on links, I have good imagination, that part of me comes out more. I don’t like straight down the line kind of holes, par fives with no wind and tree lined – I like to see it sometimes where you must aim yards left of the target. It’s all about hitting your own targets.
“I like to play to the green using a little bump and run up or using the mounds or the slopes off the side of the greens. There are not many times I go straight for the pins on a links course.”
The changing test from most other weeks on the Legends Tour means that Campbell will be making some changes to the club composition of his bag for the week too: “I’m going to lower my three wood to make it another degree stronger – it’s now 15 degrees but will probably be down to a 14. I’m going to change up my five wood for a strong two iron or even a rescue, that type of stuff. The ground’s firmer, so I want to wager its less bounce. It’s important when you play links golf that the preparation you do is right and the same for the equipment you have. When I come to Trump International Golf Links, I will be putting the two iron in there. I’ve always been a low ball hitter, so it’s kind of natural. I can hit it lower if I want to, so to make those changes for me wouldn’t take very long. I’ll probably play more shaping shots on the range than normal.”
As for the location, not only is Campbell a great admirer of Trump International Golf Links and the test that it poses, but also of golf in Scotland – he feels like he is at home and has the family tree to prove why: “There’s a pattern that goes on with me when I play on Scottish golf courses. I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s my last name! There is ancestry on my side – I think my great, great, great grandfather was Scottish. He came over from Edinburgh back in 1862, I think. So, there is that Scottish blood and I feel at home – that’s what it feels like.”
The Staysure PGA Seniors Championship hosted by Colin Montgomerie runs from July 31st to August 4th at Trump International Golf Links, Scotland.
Confirmed names in the field include eight-time European Tour order of merit winner, our tournament host Colin Montgomerie; 1991 Masters Champion Ian Woosnam, 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie, 2003 US PGA Championship winner Shaun Micheel, two-time Major winner Angel Cabrera (2007 US Open & 2009 Masters), defending champion Peter Baker, Legends Tour leader on the MCB Road to Mauritius rankings – Scott Hend, and the 2014 European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley.
Wednesday 31st July will feature the Luxe Scot Celebrity Pro-Am with a series of big names taking part – all playing for a nominated charity, with £10,000 going to the winner, £7,500 for second place and £2,500 for third.
Celebrities confirmed to be playing include: Anton du Beke, Brian McFadden, Damon Hill, Darren Gough, Gavin Hastings, Gianfranco Zola, Gordon Strachan, Jimmy Nesbitt, Judy Murray, Keith Duffy, Leone Rolle (DJ Rudimental), Kriss Akabusi, Roberto di Matteo and Scott Quinnell.
Renowned as one of the greatest new links courses anywhere in the world, Trump International Golf Links will provide a stern test for all players during the week.
For patrons, there will be plenty to see on the golf course and around it too with the spectator village featuring plenty to see, including Q&A sessions with Ryder Cup captains and Major winners.
The tented village will also feature the Staysure Show Stage where local acts will be performing throughout the week, including an Acoustic Lunch session from Thursday to Sunday and a Saturday night party after the end of play too.
Patrons can take on some iconic putts recreated from the history of golf, with the world’s best movable putting floor – the Zen Green Stage. This 20-foot stage provides the chance to attempt to recreate some iconic moments in golf, with a leaderboard throughout the week – the winner (with the most completed putts) will get a Glenmuir voucher worth £150.
There will also be free putting lessons with PGA Coaches during the week, while Titleist will be offering some golf ball education for patrons and club fitting sessions for Legends Experience Guests and VIP’s.
Tickets are on sale with an online saving at www.legendstour.com/tickets
VIP Clubhouse Hospitality is available through Trump International for £250 per person (tables of 10 available) including:
• Exclusive access to Trump International clubhouse
• All-day dining and complimentary bar*
• Limited edition tournament gift
• Priority parking
• Tournament admission
Contact [email protected] or visit www.trumpgolfscotland.com for details.
*Terms & conditions apply
