Michael Campbell is hoping to have a special week at the Hero Honda Indian Open.

The 40-year-old Kiwi is thrilled to be in India for the first time and after an injury plagued season he senses better times are ahead.

Boasting prize money of US$1.25 million the Hero Honda Indian Open is the richest full-field on the Asian Tour.

Campbell injured his shoulder picking up luggage at Hong Kong airport last October and has been battling the shoulder injury ever since.

He feels the small tear in his rotator cuff has finally healed and tees off in tomorrow's first round   at DLF Golf and Country club with reasons to be cheerful.

"I am at the end of another five year cycle of inconsistent form. I had a really good year in 1995, when I was second in the British Open, but then struggled until winning the Johnnie Walker Classic at the end of 1999.

"I won two times in Europe in 2000 but then only peaked again in 2005 when I won the US Open. As 2010 approaches I am hoping things will start to happen," said Campbell.

The treatment programme on his shoulder has meant he has been far from his best over the past year with his focus being on fitness rather than making the cut. 

"I am just going to have fun this week. It's been a tough year but I am now looking to turn things around and start to play well again and have a platform to build upon," added the Kiwi.

Campbell became part of the golfing elite when he held off world number one Tiger Woods to win the US Open in 2005.

He was named 2005 European Tour Golfer of the Year after adding the World Match Play Championship to his US Open title.

"I have always wanted to come to India. I love the culture, the people and of course the food. My favourite food is Japanese cuisine and then after that Indian. On Thursday I will have my first curry in India at Daniel's favourite restaurant, which I am told it is one of the finest in Asia. I can't wait. With a good first round under my belt I am sure the food will taste even better," said Campbell.  

Campbell has won more than 14 tournaments worldwide and became a national hero in New Zealand after his US Open success. His victory was celebrated with a Welcome Home Parade through the streets of Wellington.

He tees-off in the first round with Australian Rick Kulacz and Singapore's Mardan Mamat, who won the Indian Open in 2004.

While a victory for Campbell is perhaps out of his reach at this stage other players who will fancy their chances include Indian Arjun Atwal and Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant, who triumphed in 1999 and 2005 respectively.

Chopra is also a pre-tournament favourite having enjoyed a good year on the US PGA Tour, while other potential frontrunners are rising Indian star Gaganjeet Bhullar, American Anthony Kang, and Australian Darren Beck, who was runner-up last year.