Michael Campbell is among a group of four Major winners playing this week on the Legends Tour in Ireland.
Last week he was a popular figure amongst the fans, media and players at the US Open, as he returned to Pinehurst No.2 for the first time since his Major victory there in 2005. Everyone wanted his thoughts on the course and how to tackle a US Open set-up at the North Carolina venue.
Bryson Dechambeau emerged victorious on Sunday night to claim his second US Open title, while Rory McIlroy endured one of the most disappointing final rounds of his Major career. For Campbell it was great to watch, but hard to see too: “Obviously, I felt sorry for Rory and the way he played the whole week. Rory was fantastic. It was a great battle between them both, you know, Bryson’s great for the game – he moves the needle and he’s very interactive with the fans, as you saw in his celebration. But obviously, in my heart, I wanted to have Rory when his fifth Major.
“For me personally, going back there to Pinehurst was a wonderful trip down memory lane. I was overwhelmed with the reception I had from the players, the caddies, the fan and the interaction with the players.
“The respect I got from them was incredible. Meeting Scottie Scheffler for the first time, with him coming over to me was a great buzz, you know, to have that recognition.
It was a wonderful moment for me.”
Campbell has travelled back across the Atlantic to be part of a stellar field on the Legends Tour in Ireland’s Ancient East. He is one of four Major winners playing in the OFX Irish Legends at Seapoint Golf Links in County Louth, along with Ian Woosnam (1991 Masters), Paul Lawrie (1999 Open Championship) and Angel Cabrera (2007 US Open & 2009 Masters).
It’s a line-up and an event that has got Campbell excited for the week ahead: “To be mentioned in the same sentence as those other Major winners is always very, very special.
“I think it’s nice for the spectators to have such a quality field on show, which is a true testament for the way the Legends Tour is going right now – it’s trending in the right direction.
“I managed to play 18 holes, the conditions are very different to last year here. It’s very soft. Last year was hard and fast, so I would say the score is going to be a little bit easier because of that reason. You can be more aggressive, and you can take longer clubs into every green.
“For example, on the first hole, last year I was hitting a six iron in, which today I think was a three iron!
“The course is a completely different animal. I think it’s going to be a fun week with Peter Baker coming back to defend his title and he’s obviously confident here and is some great form, including his victory at the Barbados Legends.”
Tomorrow (Weds 19th June) sees the Luxe Scot Celebrity Pro-Am taking place at the Louth venue with stars taking part including: Brian McFadden, Danny O’Carroll, Jimmy Anderson, Jimmy Nesbitt, Joe Canning, Keith Duffy, Ken Dogerty, Kevin Moran, Niall Quinn, Packie Bonner and Megan Campbell.
Tickets are available online at legendstour.com/tickets for the OFX Irish Legends at Seapoint Golf Links which runs from Wednesday 19th to Saturday 22nd June.