New Zealand’s Ben Campbell shines in Adelaide
Ben Campbell – hits his tee shot at the 12th today – image LIV Golf
New Zealand’s Ben Campbell, only recently reunited with his Range Goats team, has fully justified his recall with a second round of 63 at the LIV Golf Adelaide event, and at the halfway mark of the event at the Grange Golf Club, he finds himself just one off the pace set by Jon Rahm.
Campbell gained a call-up to the Range Goats in 2025 by Captain Bubba Watson after starting last season as a reserve but ended up playing eleven events with a best of 3rd in Singapore.
Campell entered the Liv Golf Promotions event in January in the belief he may need to regain status, but was recalled to the team for season 2026, this effort no doubt going a long way to securing his future.
Campbell’s round was highlighted by a pitch in from 80 yards or so for eagle at the 18th (not his final hole in this shotgun formatted event) but, in addition, he recorded seven birdies for his round of 9 under.
“Obviously, it’s great to be right up at the top of the leaderboard. It’s always where you want to be.
“I’m looking forward to the course this weekend. Played a lot here in Australia. I feel like I’ve played this style of golf a lot growing up, so it’s really nice to be back here playing this style again, and hopefully some of that experience from playing plenty of amateur events and Aussie Opens, and things like that, over here can rub off on the weekend.
“I think the first couple of years out here, it was great. I learnt a lot from hanging out with the guys, having dinner and that with guys like Rahm and that. I’ve played a couple of times now with them. I don’t think I’ve ever played with Bryson, so looking forward to that tomorrow.
Rahm, too, was bogey-free in his round of 63 to move one clear of Campbell, with Bryson De Chambeau another shot behind Campbell.
The leading Australian is Lucas Herbert, whose round of 65 has him at 7 under and six off the lead and in a share of 7th place.
The Ripper GC Team of Cam Smith, Marc Leishman, Elvis Smylie, and Herbert are just one off the pace in the teams event headed by the Range Goats.
