On earning a cheque for £1 million for winning the HSBC World Match Play Championship at Wentworth in 2006, the biggest monetary prize in golf at the time …
I didn’t think about the money, to be honest. I was just trying to beat the best players in golf. For me it’s all about kissing trophies. Money is nice, but it was the furthest thing from my mind, which I know is very difficult for many people to understand, but I’m just telling the truth. In fact, afterwards I asked my caddie what we had won because I really had no idea. My focus was just on winning the match.
On his love of links golf …
I really enjoy the imagination you have to put in on every shot. The wind changes in direction and strength, so for four days it’s like playing four different golf courses: the yardage book doesn’t matter, it’s all about imagination. If I’m 150 yards into the wind I might hit a 1-iron or a rescue and land it 10 yards short of the green and let it run up. I grew up in windy Wellington, so I’m used to hitting all the shots - fades, hooks, keeping it low. I love it.
On his rollercoaster career …
Yes, I have had a few lean years but I always seem to bounce back. That’s my mantra and I’ve been that way since I was a kid. As an amateur I was either winning tournaments or missing the cut. It’s just who I am and I don’t know why that is [laughs]. I wish I was more consistent but that’s the way I am and I have to accept it. But it’s proved to me that I can come back at any time. That’s my goal: to be back.
On coming close to winning the 2012 Hong Kong Open …
Hong Kong proved to me that I still have it. Miguel [Angel Jiménez] played some wonderful golf and beat me again, but it proved to me that I have what it takes. That week and the week before in Portugal [where Campbell finished tied third] meant a lot.
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