Queenstown golf pro Ben Campbell has only favourable reflections on the controversial breakaway LIV Golf tour.
The 32-year-old, recently named Central Otago senior sportsman of the year, has been a LIV reserve for all their tournaments this year and, in addition to pro-ams, has twice been called up.
In April he stood in for Aussie Cameron Smith for two days in Miami, after the latter contracted food poisoning, and played well to finish mid-field.
Ironically, Campbell beat Smith to win last year’s Hong Kong Open, earning him his reserve spot.
Then, he replaced Spaniard Jon Rahm for the final round this month in Houston, scoring a five under par round — easily the best for the team and one of the best that day.
At each event, three reserves are on standby for the 13 teams.
Campbell’s enjoying how well everyone’s looked after, along with the more relaxed atmosphere.
‘‘If you look at Adelaide [in April] and other earlier events, there are probably a lot of non-golfers coming.
‘‘One of the things I’ve been loving is the number of children coming to the events with the music playing and things like that.
‘‘Normally, parents are worried about the kids screaming during someone’s backswing, but with the music going it doesn’t really matter.’’
He takes issue with those labelling LIV golf exhibition golf.
Phil Mickelson, even though he’s nearing the end of his career, is always practising, he notes.
‘‘Even some of the others I thought would have been taking it a bit easier are often the first guys in the gym.’’
With the team aspect, Campbell says because all four scores count heading into the third and final round, ‘‘if someone is having a bad week they’re out there on the driving range or putting range trying to find something so they don’t let the team down’’.
He adds he’s been learning some good lessons being around some of the world’s best golfers.
Meanwhile, he’s also still playing the full Asian Tour, including the International Series where he’s 10th on the order of merit — the winner gets a full LIV card.
‘‘Then later in the year there is the LIV promotions event, so I’ve got a couple of chances to get my LIV card, and that is my goal.’’
