Michael Campbell’s remarkable return to form continued to gather pace at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters – and the New Zealander is keen to finally get back to winning ways at Doha Golf Club.
The 2005 US Open Champion, who fell outside the Official World Golf Ranking’s top 900 after injury problems and a loss of form, shot a third successive 68 to be 12 under par – three shots behind leader Chris Wood in a tie for second.
During his slump in fortunes Campbell made just one cut in 18 months, but top-ten finishes in Portugal and Hong Kong at the end of last season have reinstalled his belief.
“Six months ago, I was desperate,” he revealed. “I think I made two cuts in about two years, 18 months or something, and now I have a chance of winning a couple times last year and maybe tomorrow.
“We are just going back to what is working and what worked before, and going back with my coach Jonathan Yarwood six months ago definitely helped.
“That's really one thing I've been working the last six months is just smile after each round of golf, whether it's a good one or a bad one, and it's working so far. It's really simple stuff.”
Despite another good display in a field that contains 80 European Tour winners, Campbell has still got his eyes on improving further.
“Once again, four under after ten holes and just couldn't hole a putt on the last eight holes,” he added. “I holed a chip, but not a putt.
“It's been frustrating, but it's just one of those things where at this time last year, I was packing my bags and going home, so I can't complain about that. Being three shots behind with one round to go, it's definitely nice to be in this situation.
“It's just nice to be out here and having some fun at the same time and maybe have a chance of winning.
“I think when a title is definitely reachable, expectations are obviously quite high and I want to do well this weekend or tomorrow, and if I don't, no big deal, you've got next week. All I can do is just control my own game, control my own destiny and see what happens.”
