‘Wasn’t Really Threatened’: Golfer Who Beat Tiger Woods in a Major Championship Describes the Feeling of Leading Against Him

The early 2000s were the era of Tiger Woods. He had won more than thirty titles from 2000 to 2006, including eight majors and World Golf Championships. Yet, a New Zealander with no other win on the PGA Tour won the 2005 US Open, leaving Woods to grab only the second place. 

Woods wasn’t playing well in the competition. However, he had experience in winning multiple majors and was in the mix of the top players on the leaderboard. Any other golfer would have felt threatened by this, even if he had a huge lead. But, the New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell had no such worries. 

“I saw that as an opportunity. Not a threat,” Campbell said. He described his feelings when he realized Woods was in top order when he appeared as a guest in the ‘Chasing Majors’ podcast. The theme of the podcast is analyzing all the Majors Woods have won and been a part of.

“I respect the guy immensely,” Campbell added. However, he explained that he only thought about his game during that moment and not how the 15-time major champion would become a threat. 

Campbell won the 2005 US Open with an even-par after finishing the four rounds. Meanwhile, Woods scored a 2-over and became the runner-up. Notably, Campbell has never won a title on the PGA Tour throughout his career. However, he won the US Open and World Match Play Championship in 2005. 

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Turned professional in 1993, the New Zealander has earned 15 professional wins, mainly on the European Tour. Although he has an honorary lifetime membership on the Tour, he retired from the sport in 2015. Later, however, Campbell returned to golf and now plays on the Legends Tour. 

How did Michael Campbell win the 2005 US Open over Tiger Woods?  

“Just try to keep tell myself to keep in the present,” Campbell explained how he kept his mind on track. “Because the present is a point of power.” Furthermore, Campbell added, “I was playing so well. So I wasn’t really threatened by Tiger.” 

The 2005 US Open champion explained that it was his dream come true to play and win against Woods. Despite that, he was  able to control his mind from thinking negatively. 

Michael Campbell won the 2005 US Open fair and square by believing in himself. Although Tiger Woods was a big name at the time, he didn’t let the pressure get on him, thus claiming his only major title. 

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