Southland’s Vaughan McCall and three others earn the coveted Michael Campbell Scholarship for 2011
New Zealand’s Southland Amateur golfers Vaughan McCall, Keelan Kilpatrick, and Cameron Jones have won the Michael Campbell Foundation scholarships for the year 2011.
The three young golfers will continue to receive funds for their endeavours on the New Zealand Amateur circuit for the rest of the year which will go a long way in developing their skills and easing out the financial worries. McCall, the Gore Club member
has exhibited relentless dedication for the sport and has earned the scholarship on his own abilities and skill.
Michael Campbell Foundation, formed by former US Open winner Michael Campbell, churns out scholarships on the annual basis for the young generation of kiwi golfers. Campbell is a strong supporter of the sport in New Zealand and his yearly scholarships have
benefitted the likes of current number nine amateur Ben Campbell, former New Zealand Amateur Champion, Larissa Eruera and current New Zealand Amateur champion Mathew Perry.
New Zealand Golf Chief Executive, Dean Murphy also spoke on the occasion.
"Cameron, Keelan and Vaughan are all very capable golfers and they are fully deserving of this award," he said. "With the support of Michael Campbell, these players will get a better understanding of what is required to succeed as a professional golfer.
The ultimate goal is to get more of our elite amateurs playing on the world stage and flying the Kiwi flag at pro events. The mentoring and tuition Michael offers is invaluable to furthering their development."
McCall, who lives in Waikoikoi, has been trained by his long time coach and mentor Alan Rose who hails from Dunedin. He was also one of the Southlanders who was nominated for the New Zealand Golf’s Srixon Academy and became the second Southlander after Todd
Sinclair to earn the honour.
McCall along with Kilpatrick and Jones will be heading to the Royal Sydney Golf Club in Rose Bay and would stay near Campbell’s home for a week, spending time with New Zealand Golf’s Hall of Famer. Golf Southland’s President Robyn Boniface, is a big admirer
of McCall’s sporting abilities and regards him as the next best thing on the national amateur circuit.
Boniface hoped that McCall’s selection for the scholarship will encourage the young golfers to come forward to support the next generation of the amateur golfers for the country.
Michael Campbell, besides winning the 2005 US Open, also won the £1,000,000 HSBC World Match Play Championship the same year. The celebrated golfer was born in Hawera, Taranaki and comes from the predominantly ethnic Maoris of the New Zealand. Campbell also
has some Scottish ancestry as his great-great-great grandfather John Logan Campbell migrated from Scotland.
Campbell has won 15 professional titles and defeated Tiger Woods in the 2005 US Open by two strokes. He currently plays on the European Tour.
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