New Zealand Golf is pleased to announce the three recipients of the Michael Campbell Foundation Scholarship in 2011 as Cameron Jones (Institute of Golf), Keelan Kilpatrick (Russley) and Vaughan McCall (Gore).

The ultimate goal of the Michael Campbell Foundation is to ensure more New Zealanders dominate their chosen field on the international stage.

The trio will travel to the Royal Sydney Golf Club in Rose Bay near Campbell’s home where they will spend time with New Zealand Golf Hall of Fame member learning what it takes to reach the top in the sport.

It is designed to better prepare New Zealand’s top amateurs for successful professional careers.

“The transition from amateur to professional golf is a difficult one for many players and New Zealand Golf continues with initiatives to ensure our players better prepared,” said New Zealand Golf Chief Executive Dean Murphy.

“Cameron, Keelan and Vaughan are all very capable golfers and they are fully deserving of this award.

“With the support of Michael Campbell, these players will get a better understanding of what is required to succeed as a professional golfer.

“The ultimate goal is to get more of our elite amateurs playing on the world stage and flying the Kiwi flag at pro events. The mentoring and tuition Michael offers is invaluable to furthering their development.”

Talent and Coach Development Manager Gregg Thorpe agreed that the trio will benefit hugely from the experience.

“We believe that Cameron, Keelan and Vaughan will all find the knowledge and experience of Cambo a real asset and we hope that they can make the most of this time and use the experience as they strive to become dominant amateur golfers here in New Zealand.”

The trio follows in the footsteps of some of our leading amateurs like World No.9 Ben Campbell, former New Zealand Amateur Champion Larissa Eruera and recent New Zealand Amateur champion Mathew Perry as recipients of the award.

The Michael Campbell Foundation and New Zealand Golf hopes to attract more interest from the emerging talent within the women’s game for 2012.

When Cambo won the US Open in 2005 he talked about giving back and providing the inspiration he enjoyed as an amateur growing up playing golf in New Zealand.

On his website Campbell explained that his grandmother taught him the concept of receiving with one hand is connected to giving with the other in Maori culture.

The motivation behind the establishment of the Michael Campbell Foundation to fulfill his feeling of responsibility to reciprocate the inspiration and encouragement that has helped him throughout his career and life.