Ko happy after Campbell’s call

Lydia Ko goes into tomorrow’s $ 1.51m Kingsmill Championship full of confidence thanks to her recent win and the out- of- theblue advice of a major championship winner.

The world No 3 this week received a call from 2005 US Open winner Michael Campbell, but she nearly ignored it.

‘‘ It was an unknown number wasn’t going to answer it. Luckily Ko said.

‘‘ I was kind of surprised when he was like, ‘ Hi, I’m Michael Campbell,’. I’m like, ‘ excuse me’? I thought he had the wrong number.’’

Ko didn’t go into the details of the call from one of New Zealand’s two major winners, but confirmed that Campbell offered her advice. ‘‘ It was pretty exciting for me to have somebody like him, [ his] profile, call me.’’

Ko was eight when Campbell beat and I I did,’’

Tiger Woods by two shots to win at Pinehurst nine years ago, but said he had inspired a bunch of young New Zealanders. ‘‘ Now I realise more what he’s done. [ He’s] obviously a a huge star in New Zealand and he’s done a lot for golf in New Zealand.’’

The 17- year- old has spent time during her three weeks off practising at Pinehurst where both the US men’s and women’s opens will be played next month.

Ko’s last outing was the Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic in California – her third LPGA Tour win and the first as a professional.

She’s paired up with world No 9 Paula Creamer and fellow American Christina Kim, the world No 111, this week.

‘‘ The last time I played I won, so, yeah, I feel very confident about my game,’’ Ko said.

‘‘ I’m not trying to overdo it and not be overly confident. Being confident is great, but I don’t want to be overconfident.’’

Ko tees off at 12.25am tomorrow. Coverage is on Sky Sport.