Michael Campbell relieved shoulder surgery not required

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STILL SWINGING: Michael Campbell is relieved that a shoulder problem will not require surgery.

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Struggling New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell is relieved surgery wasn't needed on his niggling shoulder injury as he prepares to return to competition this week.

Campbell took a month-long break from competition and took the chance to have the shoulder scanned while home in Sydney.

Upon arrival in Scotland for this week's Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, Campbell said the problem was diagnosed as a "slap tear".

"Fortunately, it didn't require an operation which was great but then I have been undergoing a lot of rehab on the shoulder while he (doctor) suggested I may need a cortisone injection when I see him next in about a month's time."

Campbell indicated the injury resulted not only from hitting countless thousands of golf balls in his career but also lifting luggage from airport carousels.

"I had the problem before in my right shoulder but on this occasion, it's my left shoulder," he said.

"The thing is that when we travel for 10 or 12 hours on a plane you arrive somewhat dehydrated and not in the best of physical condition, and then when you go to collect your luggage you just forget about taking care of yourself in lifting heavy suitcases and golf clubs."

Campbell said he hasn't played for the past month since the Irish Open aside from some practice rounds in Sydney.

The Wellingtonian will play the opening two rounds of this week's £1.4 million ($NZ3 million) event in the company of two Scottish greats, Sam Torrance and Colin Montgomerie.

Other New Zealanders at the tournament are Mark Brown and Danny Lee.

Campbell said he will also contest next week's European Masters in Switzerland and the following week's KLM Open near Amsterdam.

- NZPA