Campbell denies he's quitting golf

MICHAEL Campbell, the former US Open champion, has denied he is on the verge of quitting over a wretched run of form that has seen him slump to 513th in the world.

The New Zealander, who is playing in Malaysia this week, has missed the cut in 25 of his past 28 events after seeing his form plummet for the second time in his career.

"After reading recent newspaper articles about myself I wanted to reassure you all that I am certainly not thinking about retiring," stated Campbell on his website. "I feel that some throwaway comments I made while still consumed with the disappointment of such a poor couple of rounds were misinterpreted. I am more determined than ever to find my form and get back to my best. I have been practising hard and working out intensively and I am actually striking the ball great on the range, but it isn't translating on the course as yet.

"I will persevere as I am absolutely determined to get myself back up those leaderboards. My career has been a story of highs and lows and I have the benefit of knowing how quickly it can turn around for me.

"I had a poor run of form before I won the US Open, so I know how soon things can change if I keep working hard."

The 41-year-old earned himself a ten-year pass on the European Tour by becoming a major champion in 2005 and also secured a five-year exemption into The Open and The Masters. He will now have to qualify for The Open again but what could be his last trip to Augusta National comes in April. Last year he had a worst-ever 80 on the first day at Augusta and finished joint 90th of the 96 players.

Campbell, who now lives in Sydney after moving to Australia from Brighton, believes part of the reason his form has suffered is down to the charity work he's done since becoming a major winner.

"I don't blame anybody else, it's my fault," he added. "I played less and focused more on my charities and my golf suffered.

"It's a catch-22 but I was brought up with the philosophy that you were brought up with two hands – one to receive in life and the other to give back."