Former U.S. Open champion Michael Campbell’s fortunes took a turn for the better three days after missing out by a stroke in qualifying for the British Open.
 
The New Zealander carded a four under par 67 to end the day sharing ninth place at three under par and seven behind England’s James Morrison, who signed for a 66 and a 10-under par tally on the 2018 Ryder Cup host venue.
 

Michael Campbell competing earlier this week in the British Open Local Final Qualifier at Princes. (Photo - R & A)

Campbell has not won anywhere since capturing the 2005 U.S. Open and the HSBC World Match-Play later that year at Wentworth.
 
In 2010, the Sydney based Kiwi finished 244th on the money-list and only retained his European Tour card by virtue of a 10-year exemption in winning at Pinehurst.

Campbell, 42, has sought help to escape from his downward spiral from all quarters including taking advice from record-breaking Olympic rower Steve Redgrave of Britain.

This season, though, has seen little change. He has made only five cuts in 15 starts, failed to qualify for the weekend in his previous five events and is 188th on the money-list.

However, three rounds in the 60s in the last week, including a 66 when he narrowly failed to qualify for the British Open, has inspired him.

Now Campbell is aiming to “sneak up and win” this week to clinch a British Open spot at Sandwich in two weeks.

“This shows I’ve still got the goods to win,” said Campbell.

“I got bumped out of Open qualifying by a stroke by a guy in the last group but it proved to me I’m on the way back.

“I shot five-under last week in the BMW International (in Munich). It’s amazing how things can change so quickly.”

Campbell could still earn a place into the July 14th starting British Open at Sandwich if he finishes leading non-exempt player among the top-five finishes in Versailles.