Mānuka Doctor Legends Team Announced For Chasing The Fox – Led By New Zealand Golf Icon Michael Campbell

Mānuka Phuel Chasing the Fox returns on Friday 12 December at Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club, and this year, a true New Zealand sporting icon is joining the action. Mānuka Doctor is bringing legendary Kiwi golfer Michael Campbell back to lead their newly formed Legends Team, with Olympic Rower Eric Murray and UFC fighter Carlos Ulberg. The Mānuka Doctor Legends Team are playing for the charity Autism NZ, of which Murray is a patron, supporting his son Zac.

The announcement comes as the golfing world marks 20 years since Campbell’s historic 2005 U.S. Open victory at Pinehurst, a moment that inspired a young Ryan Fox to take golf seriously. Fox, a University of Auckland student at the time, just beginning to dabble in tournament golf, remembers watching Campbell hold his nerve on one of the toughest stages in world sport. Trailing by four shots going into the final round, Campbell produced a composed one-under-par finish to claim his maiden major championship - ending the week as the only player to shoot even par, with Tiger Woods finishing second at two-over.

“I think I took a couple of uni classes off that morning to watch it,” Fox recalls. “I was probably just starting my journey as a golfer at that point, just starting to play some tournament golf, and I absolutely loved it.”

“Cambo inspired a whole generation of Kiwi golfers, me included. He’s an absolute legend of our game, so having him come and play in the event is special. It’s really cool, and honestly, pretty humbling.” says Fox.

Now, two decades on, Fox and Campbell will stand on the same turf once again in the feature group of the main event - this time in a high-energy crossover event that blends elite sport, music, culture, and entertainment. Campbell will lead the Mānuka Doctor Legends Team, bringing unmatched pedigree and a global major champion’s aura to the six-hole showdown.

Mānuka Phuel Chasing the Fox pits Fox and his soon-to-be-announced friend from tour against a stacked field of challengers. Teams of three from the nation’s biggest sporting codes and media personalities will go head-to-head, with the lowest score taking the victory. If scores are tied, a dramatic playoff on the event’s iconic party hole will decide the winner.

This year, Fox has raised the stakes even further. The Kiwi No.1 is putting $20,000 of his own money on the line.If he and his teammate win, the donation goes to Big Buddy, supporting their mission of providing positive male mentorship to boys without fathers.

Any team that beats the top two in the country will receive $20,000 for a charity of their choice. With Campbell’s return, the Legends Team formation, and the charity challenge heating up, every team will be hungry to chase down the favourites - and take home the win for something bigger than golf.

Mānuka Doctor’s support has made it possible to bring Michael Campbell back for this special appearance, honouring one of New Zealand’s greatest sporting achievements while elevating the event to new heights.

This year’s event will be broadcast live and free across TVNZ 1 & TVNZ+, with coverage of all the action from the final party hole. Australian fans can watch the action on Fox Sports Australia - available on Kayo Sports and Foxtel.

Corporate and general public tickets are on sale now. For more information, head to chasingthefox.co.nz

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