Michael Campbell, last year’s U.S. Open champion, has had a 7-year working relationship with his current caddie, Michael Waite. The two have the kind of laid-back personalities that often mesh well on the course. Plus, Waite was a good amateur golfer in his own right, so he knows a bit about the game. As a caddie, Waite is one of the most respected on tour. After Campbell won the U.S. Open last year, he made several comments about how he owed much of his success to his caddie.

Waite’s reason for deciding to quit as Campbell’s caddie after the 2006 season can hardly be questioned:

My daughter starts school then (2007) and I want to be able to devote more time to her.

Campbell will find a talented replacement in Anthony Knight, a fellow Kiwi who was an amateur golfer of note in New Zealand. Waite plans to continue carrying the bag for Campbell at the 4 Majors, but Knight will take over the reins at all other events.