Michael Campbell is already looking to his next event, the BMW Masters in Shanghai, after finishing third in the Portugal Masters to secure his best Race to Dubai result in Four Years.
Campbell posted four rounds in the 60s – 68, 69,67 & 68 – to grab third place behind Ireland’s Shane Lowry on 12-under par.
Michael Campbell on route to his best finish in four years. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)
It is the New Zealand golfer’s best finish since a similar third place in the 20o8 Quinn Direct British Masters at The Belfry.
And while Lowry was so excited to capture a second Race to Dubai victory, and his first as a professional, Campbell was pleased to have played so steady on the Oceanico Victoria Course.
“I came here this week with no expectations really,” he said.
“I just wanted to have some fun with my golf and today was a great example. I was in contention. I was one or two shots off the lead at one stage.
“I did stumble on the 13th and the 14th holes unfortunately but besides that, it was a good. I had nice birdie putts on 15 and 17. I’ve finished two short of Shane but besidess that, it was a good, solid week.”
Campbell collected a prize cheque for Euro 140,850 that has seen the 2005 U.S. Open champion move to 86th on the Race to Dubai and the likelihood now of breaking inside the top-60 and a tee time in the season-ending Dubai World Championship.
But that’s not yet on Campbell’s mind, and he’s simply delighted to get back to playing the style of golf that we saw seven years ago when he kept Tiger Woods are arm’s reach to win a Pinehurst.
“If someone said to me at the start of the week, look, Michael, you’ll finish third or fourth after this week, I’d be very happy indeed,” he said.
“I am just happy to be up there now and just in contention. I felt very calm out there once again.
“It’s surprising, I haven’t been amongst it for such a long time. Felt like yesterday. It’s incredible. I felt very much in control of my emotions and very much in control of my golf swing, so it’s a nice feeling.
“It was a good feeling to have. I really enjoy those sort of feelings, being in amongst the hunt and hopefully a chance to win. But once again I’m happy to walk away with third place.
“I wanted to birdie the last hole to have any chance at all to put pressure on the boys behind me but wasn’t to be.
“I’ve got a week and then looking forward to playing in China and the BMW Masters.”
Well done, Cambo!
