[Image: LIV Golf]
Former Asian Tour star-turned LIV Golf player on the Range Goats GC, New Zealand’s Ben Campbell, joined Australian Golf Digest’s Brad Clifton to chat about his new role on the LIV roster:
AGD: New Zealand’s newest RangeGoat, Ben Campbell, congrats on joining Bubba Watson’s team—tell us how it all came about?
Ben Campbell: Yeah, it was a nice call I got just before New Year—great way to start 2025. I then went to the States to spend a few days with the team. It’s been a good start, and I’m looking forward to the next few months.
AGD: How does it feel to finally have the security of a team after grinding your way through different tours?
Ben Campbell: Yeah, it’s a huge relief. Last year, being a [LIV Golf] reserve [player] gave me time to learn the ropes, which helped a lot. If you were playing Adelaide for your first or second event, it’d be a real shock. I made the most of my chances last year, so I’m looking forward to this week—it’s a real highlight.
AGD: Being close to home, do you think a LIV event in New Zealand could happen?
Ben Campbell: Yeah, there’s been some talk. New Zealand hasn’t hosted a big event in the last 15-20 years, though the New Zealand Open is getting stronger. A LIV event would be incredible, bringing a world-class field down there.
AGD: LIV events have a reputation for being more fun. Have you felt that difference?
Ben Campbell: Definitely. With all four scores counting, even on bad days, you have to dig in for the team. Professional golf can be lonely, but here, you’re always around the guys, making practice rounds more enjoyable.
AGD: There’s always a friendly rivalry between Aussies and Kiwis. How’s the banter been with [Cam Smith’s] Ripper GC boys?
Ben Campbell: They always give me stick! But last year, they really looked after me—Leish, Cam, and the guys were great. Plenty of banter, but always good times.
AGD: With more exemptions for LIV players into the US Open and Open Championship, does that give you extra motivation to chase the majors?
Ben Campbell: Yeah, for sure. I played The Open [in 2022] and would love to add more majors. It’s great that LIV now has spots available, and with the New Zealand Open and [International Series] Macau also offering opportunities, there’s a lot to work towards.
AGD: Are you still spending much time back home?
Ben Campbell: Yeah, the LIV schedule makes it easy. After Adelaide, I’ll be home for a couple of weeks before heading to Hong Kong and Singapore, then back home again before the US stretch. It works well, especially with winter in Queenstown aligning with our events in the UK, Spain, and the US.
AGD: What’s Bubba like as a captain, and what’s the best advice he’s given you?
Ben Campbell: Bubba’s been amazing. It’s great getting to know the guys behind the scenes, having fun with plenty of banter. Watching him hit it is incredible—he still bombs it, but also hardly misses fairways. Our team has different styles, and last year, being around some of the best players gave me a lot of confidence in my own game.
AGD: As Aussies, we love claiming Kiwi talent—so we’ll claim you this year! Best of luck.
