It appears every New Zealander has an opinion on the "shoulder-gate" controversy that surrounds Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll, so it was apposite that the newly-crowned US Open golf champion Michael Campbell should be asked to join the debate at the K Club.

The affable Kiwi, in Ireland to compete in the Smurfit European Open that begins today over the Palmer course, is an avid supporter of his national rugby team manifest in his sporting black golfing garb in homage to the All Blacks. His stance on the vexed issue of whether the Ireland and Lions captain O'Driscoll was deliberately targeted by his New Zealand counterpart Tana Umaga and hooker Kevin Mealamu in last week's first Test was to offer an emphatic rebuttal.

He also provided a definitive response to the accusation O'Driscoll had insulted Maoris with his gesture of picking up a blade of grass at the end of the pre-match haka. Campbell, a proud Maori, asserted: "What O'Driscoll did is regarded as disrespectful by the Maori people."

When it was suggested the Lions captain was deliberately sought out for retribution the New Zealand golfer dead panned: "Why, what happened last week? I thought he was just thrown in a certain direction. I didn't see any spear tackle.

"I have got a lot of respect for Tana (Umaga); he's a fine player but I think you should ask him the question not me. But throwing grass in the air is a symbol of disrespect, absolutely and I'm sure it was noticed by the All Blacks."

The context of O'Driscoll's gesture, the email received by Lions coach Clive Woodward from a Maori stating the Irishman's act would be seen as a respectful acceptance of the challenge thrown down by the haka, was rubbished by Campbell. "That's bullshit . . . maybe he was testing the direction of the wind. No further comment."

Earlier in the interview, and perhaps by way of illustration of how much the All Blacks mean to him, Campbell discussed a treasured communication that arrived following his marvellous US Open triumph at Pinehurst. "I had an email from the All Blacks manager and he left his number, mobile number and this email.

"I rang him up to thank him and the guys for all your well wishes and stuff and I really appreciate what you've done for me. As people you have made me very proud of what you've done so far. I just basically said to them, you know, to his voicemail, just go out and get them. I said a few swear words of course, but you inspired me to win last week; it's your turn now. Apparently he played it in the dressingroom for the All Blacks before they went out and played the first Test."

Returning to matters golfing but retaining an Irish context, Campbell is a former winner of the European Open (2002) and also the Irish Open (2003). In recounting his recent US Open win he recounted his pre-tournament conversations with Paul McGinley and the fact the two played together in practice and the first couple of rounds.

They were talking about surprise winners and McGinley, having played with Campbell, presciently suggested Campbell should include himself in any likely list of first-time winners. The New Zealander has been snowed under (7,500 emails to his personal address within two days of that win) since his first major win but remains very easy going and self-deprecating as the following tale will indicate.

He's travelling to the JP McManus Pro-Am at Adare Manor Golf and Resort Hotel next month to support "his friend and someone who supported him throughout his career". He then told a story of his first meeting with McManus back in 1993. Sitting in a clubhouse with his wife at a European tour event in his first season during a rain delay, three men approached his table and asked if they could join him as there was nowhere else available in a packed clubhouse.

Campbell offers to buy the three newcomers, McManus, Dermot Desmond and John Magnier - he didn't know them from Adam - a drink: the order is coffee, water and a glass of milk. When he goes to pay the Kiwi realises he's left his wallet in his golf bag. He asks his wife, Julie for money, but she doesn't have her wallet either. Well guys, I'm so embarrassed, I don't have my wallet on me. He (McManus) says 'okay, I'll take care of it'. He was so friendly and I had no idea who he was. Then I found out who he was and for me to have such humble beginnings with JP; I respect that. Any time he needs me, my services, I'm there for him."

Much like the All Blacks have been for Campbell.