Sir Bob Charles is delighted to see New Zealand's only other major champion Michael Campbell returning home for the BMW NZ Open.
When Campbell confirmed his place in the tournament at the Clearwater Golf Club in Christchurch on December 1-4 he mentioned a big part of his motivation was to follow in the footsteps of Charles in becoming a multiple winner of the event.
"To be put in the same category as Sir Bob Charles is definitely one of those things I'd be striving for,'' he said.
Charles, who won the event four times during his illustrious career including his first title as an 18-year-old amateur in 1954 at Heretaunga, said he felt humbled by the comments and was pleased that the New Zealand Open title is still highly regarded.
"I would go so far to say that next to winning a major championship is winning one's national Open is probably the next most important championship,'' said the 75-year-old.
"After a two-year absence it is great to have Michael back in the field for the New Zealand Open.
"He is a major champion after all and it's not too often we get them playing in New Zealand Opens.
"I am glad to see that the New Zealand Golf open is still seen as a championship of significance from New Zealand's best golfers.
"I always did my best to support the New Zealand Open throughout my career and I played it any chance I got and I am very happy to see Michael thinking along the same lines after all as major champions we have New Zealand Golf to thank for getting us started in our careers.
"By participating it is also a nice way to pay back the New Zealand public who have supported us throughout our careers.''
Another New Zealand golf great, Frank Nobilo, who will be vice-captain for the international team at the upcoming President's Cup, believed that Campbell still had the ability to win at the age of 42.
"I know Michael is still working hard at his game,'' said the 51-year-old.
"I am pleased he hasn't given it up. He has actually shown progress the past couple of months with a change of instructor and the game has also changed. If he keeps playing then he can also help some of the younger guys.''
Charles believed that the BMW NZ Open in 2011 presented a good opportunity for a New Zealander to win the event for the first time since Mahal Pearce claimed the trophy back in 2003.
"I am pleased to hear him say that, after winning the New Zealand Open back in 2000, he wants to win the title two, three or even four times. I am happy to see him back and would love to see him play well at Clearwater. He has the ability and it is there for the taking.''
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