Michael Campbell, celebrated for his historic 2005 U.S. Open victory, became only the second New Zealander to win a major championship. His professional career began in 1993, following a distinguished amateur period that included representing New Zealand in international competitions starting in 1988 and contributing to a team victory at the 1992 Eisenhower Trophy. Upon turning professional, Campbell was named PGA Tour of Australasia Rookie of the Year in 1993.
This included 1 PGA Tour victory, 8 European Tour titles, 1 Asian Tour win, 7 PGA Tour of Australasia victories, and 3 Challenge Tour successes. His contributions to golf and his home country were further recognized with his appointment as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2001, and subsequently as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2006. Campbell retired from professional golf in 2015 due to an ankle injury and personal reasons. However, he has since expressed interest in a comeback, specifically targeting the Staysure Tour and PGA Tour Champions, aiming to leverage his extensive experience and championship pedigree.