Reason to celebrate New Zealanders riveted by Campbell's victory
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- Prime Minister Helen Clark joined a national celebration Monday of New Zealander Michael Campbell's two-stroke victory at the U.S. Golf Open.
Clark's Cabinet, the decision-making body of New Zealand's parliamentary government, delayed its weekly meeting to join many of this country's four million residents in watching the last holes of the tournament.
"His win is a triumph of immense skill, determination and perseverance, along with great modesty and humility," Clark said. "It is one of New Zealand's greatest sporting achievements and his place as one of New Zealand's sporting greats is cemented."
Campbell's win was the first in a major championship by a New Zealander since left-hander Bob Charles won the 1963 British Open.
Clark said the triumph was the crowning moment of Campbell's career.
"We have watched his highs, and we have watched him in more troubled times. Nobody deserves such an immense victory more than Michael," she said. "All New Zealand will join with me in sending our congratulations to Michael, and to his family. He has done his family, his community and New Zealand proud."
The government ministers returned to business after watching Campbell receive his trophy.
It was shortly before 10.45 a.m. New Zealand time when Campbell sank the putt that clinched his two-shot victory. Work in factories, shops and offices around New Zealand ceased as staff gathered around television sets to watch the crucial final holes.