New Zealand’s Michael Campbell has announced he will not return to the scene of his US Open triumph at Pinehurst next month after separating from his wife, Julie

Campbell, who held off Tiger Woods by two shots to win his first major title in 2005 and after having qualified at Walton  Heath, said he is not “mentally ready” to play competitive golf and will also miss next week’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Michael Campbell and his wife Julie have split.

Campbell and his wife who have been recently residing in Marbella, Spain.

And unfortunately this news was confirmed in a statement on his website – www.cambogolf.com the 45-year-old wrote: “Sorry I have been off the radar since playing at the 2014 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

“On a personal note, I have some sad news. Unfortunately, Julie and I have separated. Our children remain our number one focus as we move forward – as parents first and foremost while remaining both friends and business partners.

“As I do not feel that I am either fully physically or mentally ready to play tournament golf at the highest level, after much deliberation I have decided not to play in the BMW PGA Championship, the US Open or the events in between. I want to get back to my best and I believe this is the best strategy to achieve this.”

Campbell’s victory at Pinehurst made him the first New Zealander to win a major since Bob Charles in 1963, with his country’s parliament suspended in order to watch the drama unfold in the final round.

Then in October later that year he defeated current Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley in the final of the Cisco World Match Play Championship at Wentworth, but has not won since and made just five cuts on the European Tour last season.

In a Sports Illustrated article, published this week, Campbell was upbeat about the possibility of playing at this year’s US Open, starting on June 12, but admitted his chances of winning were slim.

“When you know your chances aren’t great it’s hard to get on the plane,” he said.At the time of the interview he was still with Julie and was hopeful of getting back into golf.

“I’ve had time to reflect on what’s happened and think about my future,” he told Sports Illustrated.

“I’m not quitting — competition is my passion. I love kissing a trophy at the end of the week, but 20 years of playing this game at the highest level takes its toll, physically and mentally.

“I’m beginning a new chapter in life.”

Campbell still lives near three championship golf courses in Benahavis, Spain and his father Tom said Michael had no plans to return to New Zealand in the immediate future.

Speaking from Titahi Golf Club – Michael’s home club – Tom Campbell said his son did not really tell him much but they did talk recently.