WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- The prime minister's cabinet delayed its weekly meeting, and work in factories, shops and offices around New Zealand came to a halt to watch Michael Campbell win the U.S. Open.
Shortly before 10:45 a.m. Monday, New Zealand time, Campbell made his final putt to finish off a two-shot victory over Tiger Woods at Pinehurst, becoming the first New Zealander to win a major since left-hander Bob Charles won the 1963 Open Championship.
Prime Minister Helen Clark joined a national celebration of Campbell's victory after her cabinet, the decision-making body of the country's parliamentary government, delayed its weekly meeting to join many of the country's 4 million residents in watching the last holes of the championship on television.
"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.
"We have watched his highs, and we have watched him in more troubled times. Nobody deserves such an immense victory more than Michael. 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.''
More than 50 of the 300 members of the nine-hole Titahi Bay Golf Club, where Campbell was introduced to golf at age 10 by his father, Tom, gathered at 7:30 a.m. to follow the final round. The club opened its kitchens to serve a champagne breakfast.
The 36-year-old Campbell, who holds the course record at the club holds lifetime membership to the club, as does his father.
Campbell's parents were among those who crowded the tiny clubrooms to sip champagne and cheer on their son.
"This is an event he's ... been dreaming about since he was young, so I'm glad he's been able to fulfill that dream,'' Tom Campbell told National Radio.
"The way Michael has been playing, I couldn't see anyone catching up to him. He played really well over the whole three days previously -- so there was no reason for him to buckle.
"He is a confidence person ... that's the type of player he is. He's been down a couple of times but he has the fortitude to come back again.''
The New Zealand state betting agency, the Totalisator Agency Board, had little faith in Campbell's chances at Pinehurst, reportedly starting him at pre-tournament odds of 150-1.
Tom Campbell regretted he didn't bet on his son.
"I could have got him at 150. ... A couple of mates of mine got him at that,'' he said, laughing.
In golf, New Zealanders have taken vicarious pleasure in recent years at Woods' success because New Zealand caddie Steve Williams works for him. Williams was among the first to hug Campbell after his fellow Kiwi secured the title.
Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
