2005 US Open winner Campbell to make European Tour return

Michael Campbell has confirmed that he will come out of retirement in 2018 and return to playing several events on the European Tour.

The 48-year-old New Zealander, whose career highlight was victory ahead of Tiger Woods in the 2005 US Open at Pinehurst, officially retired from golf after withdrawing from the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in 2015.

It brought to an end a disappointing six years on the circuit for Campbell in which time he only managed one top ten on the European Tour.

In addition to injury problems and a lack of form, Campbell also separated from his wife of 18 years, Julie, in May 2014, which helped culminate in his decision to quit the sport.

But after enjoying time off the course and being involved with his two now grown-up sons, while also helping to establish two successful golf academies in Marbella, Campbell is keen to dip his toe in the water once again.

“It’ll be good to get the juices flowing and see if I like it or not,” he told bunkered.co.uk. “My friends and family have been getting excited about it but who knows, I might hate it and all the travelling again. I really don’t know.

“It’s a mystery right now but it’s nice to have that unknown expectation. I’m just going to find my feet and see what happens.”

“I’m just going to enjoy being out there and not expect too much. I need to lose a spare tyre but besides that, I’m sure I’ll be fine!”