Not enough European Tour players at the New Zealand Open? Try telling top Kiwi Michael Campbell.
He launched a salvo at those who bemoan the shortage of Europeans at Gulf Harbour this week.
The field contains 34 players who qualified for the Open out of the European circuit.
“I don’t know why they’re so negative about it,” he said last night.
“It really pisses me off. We should be really excited about this week, not pointing the finger at the European Tour and saying there should be more Europeans. I think it’s great there’s less [of them].”
World No 22 Campbell pointed out that the European shortfall opened more spots for young New Zealand players and reckoned the benefits for their golf education this week are significant.
The first-day field of 156 contained 44 New Zealanders, which is a record for recent Opens.
“It means more kids can get in, and more qualifiers. Sponsors can give invites to New Zealand players.
“Thirty spots to Australasian players? That’s damn good isn’t it?”
Source: nzherald.co.nz