Rafael Campos hasn’t played much on the PGA Tour over the past two seasons. However, with many of the game’s best players in Austin, Texas, for the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, Campos got a spot in the opposite-field event, the Corales Puntacana Championship in the Dominican Republic.
On Tuesday, Campos opened up about recent changes he has made to his team and how he prepares himself now compared to just a few months ago.
“Yeah, I’ve lost approximately 40, 45 pounds in the last five months or so,” he said when meeting with the media at the Puntacana Resort and Club. “Came about just because last year was a really bad year, inconsistent year, injuries were really bad the middle of the year. I’ve battled with this and through this for the last four years and I just had enough, to tell you the truth, I really did.”
Rafael Campos of Puerto Rico plays his shot from the 14th tee during the first round of the Puerto Rico Open at Grand Reserve Country Club on February 25, 2021 in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
“I’m just really upset sometimes when I think about it that I waited so long to make this type of change. Five months ago I set up a great team — everything, nutritionist, chiropractor, trainer, manager. Just put a brand new team together, start from zero and we’re doing a great job.”
Although he’s frustrated he waited so long to make the changes, Campos understands the results will come with perseverance.
“I can’t say how grateful I am for the team that I’ve put together,” he said. “And we’re nonstop working, to tell you the truth, and it feels great. I did it just to avoid injuries. The positive is we’re losing weight, we’re learning how to eat. It’s a lot easier than what people think, to tell the truth. I basically eat everything I want right now, I just have to make sure that I snack a lot throughout the day.
Rafael Campos of Puerto Rico hits his first shot on the 1st hole during the second round of the Puerto Rico Open at Grand Reserve Golf Club on March 03, 2023 in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
“I just feel great, I really do. I think all these — all the hard work I’ve put in the last five months will give me results. I don’t know when, but I know they will. I’m just doing things right and I’m just pretty upset that I waited too long to make this type of change. But the way I feel right now is great and I can — my mental state is a lot better, healthier right now.”
Campos tied for 48th at the Puerto Rico Open earlier this month. At last season’s Puntacana Championship, he finished T-28.
