Campbell out of NZ Open

Wellington:

Former US Open golf champion Michael Campbell has withdrawn from next month's New Zealand Open, delaying his comeback from a shoulder injury.

Campbell had hoped to make a competitive return in the March 12-15 tournament from the shoulder injury which has sidelined him since October.

But he informed tournament organizers Thursday his rehabilitation was behind schedule and he will not be fit enough to play the event which is co-sanctioned Australasian PGA and US Nationwide Tours.

Campbell said he still hoped to be fit enough to play tournaments leading up to April's US Masters.

"I am pleased to report that I can see light at the end of the tunnel and the injury is responding well to the rehabilitation program," Campbell said in a statement. "Unfortunately the timeframe does not afford me the opportunity to be ready to play the New Zealand Open.

"This is an event close to my heart and I am hugely disappointed to be forced to miss my first (New Zealand) Open since I was an amateur."

Campbell said he would soon return to the United States to resume work with his coach Jonathan Yarwood and hoped to play in the Transitions Championships and the Arnold Palmer Invitational in late March.