Pressure on Campbell to get it right

Former US Open champion Michael Campbell plays in his homeland at this week's New Zealand Open knowing the pressure is on him to perform.

Campbell, whose best year came in 2005 when he became the first Kiwi since Bob Charles 42 years previously to win a major, is the star attraction at the Gulf Harbour Country Club in Auckland.

The 37-year-old plays competitively on home soil for the first time since his US Open victory at Pinehurst and is certain to receive huge support from his countrymen.

With the added pressure which comes with being a major winner Campbell is trying to take a more relaxed approach.

"You try a little harder and you get less," he explained. "I'm trying to let go of any emotional attachment to any result.

"Being labelled a major winner puts more pressure on you, and my expectations have probably been too high.

"I'm trying to be more relaxed."

Campbell is trying to win the £500,000 event - co-sanctioned between the European and the Australasian tours - for the second time after victory in 2000, although this year there is an extra prize for the champion.

Organisers are tapping into their roots by presenting the winner with a colourful Maori cloak (korowai) as their version of a Masters green jacket.

And that gets the full backing of Campbell.

"The korowai is revered and identified by New Zealanders as an honour bestowed on leaders in all fields of endeavour," he said.

"The cloak carries with it the wishes of success, protection, wellness and strength and is a mark of privilege."

A New Zealand Golf spokeswoman said the korowai was given anonymously to the Ngaki Tamariki Charitable Trust, which used the game to help young people with work and education opportunities.