This time last year Michael Campbell was undecided. Would he make the journey after the "nal round of the Wales Open to Walton Heath south of London for 36 holes of US Open qualifying, or would he prefer to give it a miss?

Steve Webster, who was also dithering about whether he should go for qualifying, happened to be Campbell's playing partner on that last day at Celtic Manor, and following a couple of conversations, the New Zealander came to the conclusion that it was better to make the effort.

"I remember saying to Steve, 'If you qualify, you might even win it, " he said recently. Webster didn't, Campbell did, and the rest is US Open history. "Best decision I ever made in golf, it changed my career, " he added.

. . . WHILE JUSTIN ROSE CURSES IT

Strange few days for Justin Rose. First, both he and Ryan Moore were disqualified, and then later reinstated, from the Memorial after they left the course earlier than permitted during what they believed was a weather alert.

After the Memorial, Rose headed just a few miles down the road to US Open qualifying in Columbus where he shot a respectable 73, 67 for a fourunder-par total. However, he reckoned that six-under would qualify, and he left to catch a flight to New York for the Barclay's Classic at Westchester shortly after.

In the end, it emerged his four-under would in fact have got him in a play-off for the final US Open place. As if Rose needs to be reminded . . . it ain't over 'til it's over.

USGA RULES A SPIKEY ISSUE FOR ELKINGTON

The sound of metal spikes crunching on tarmac was the sound of Steve Elkington storming out of one of the US Open qualifying tournaments last Monday.

Elkington turned up to play at Lakeside Country Club with metal spikes, only to be informed he would have to change his shoes. Although two of the 13 qualifying tournaments permitted metal spikes, and although metal spikes will be worn at Winged Foot, rules were rules at this venue, Elkington was told.

"That's BS, " said the Aussie.

"How can the USGA have some sites that are spikeless and some sites that are not? They lost the plot here."