Rookie Camilo Villegas has taken the PGA Tour by storm in 2006.
The Colombian-born golfer tied for second at the FBR Open in Scottsdale earlier this month and has made the cut in eight of his 14 career events on tour. He was also cut a check at this year's Sony Open in Hawaii, tying for 42nd.
The University of Florida graduate was a four-time All-American and set the school record with eight wins. He was also named Southeastern Conference Player of the Year in 2002 and 2004.
Villegas, 24, earned his 2006 tour card with a 13th-place finish on the Nationwide Tour money list after posting nine top-10s last year.
He is one of 144 golfers competing in this week's Chrysler Classic of Tucson at the Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa:
Q: How difficult was it not having exempt status on the Nationwide Tour last year?
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A: "I got a sponsor invite to Panama, the first Nationwide event last year, and I finished second there, which set my goals for the year. I played two Nationwide events in Australia and New Zealand and played well, and just decided to stick with some Monday qualifying and making some tough money to become a temporary member.
"I finally did that in Richmond, and from there on it was nice to be able to set your schedule and pick and choose. I was fortunate enough to play some good golf coming in, finished 13th on the money list and now we're here."
Q: What is golf like in Colombia?
A: "It's growing slowly. We've got about 50 courses. … We had Eddie Herrera, who played in Japan and played a year on the PGA Tour, play the Nationwide. Other than that, we've got some good talents that are working their way and trying to be out here, and hopefully they'll be out here soon.
"But it's a small sport. It's all about soccer down there, and that's just the reality of it."
Q: How were you able to make it to this level?
A: "My dad joined a club when he was about 35, and I had a chance to get started. Then when I was about 13, I had a chance to represent my country for the first time and I just loved traveling and meeting new people and playing golf and just competing.
"I started taking advantage of some opportunities I had. And then I ended up at Florida where I spent really fun years learning a lot."
Q: Are you recognized in Colombia as a celebrity now?
A: "The reaction from the people in the media has been very positive. I'm happy with that. I just try to play golf and spread a good image about my country and do some good stuff, and hopefully take good news there and make some people happy."
Q: Describe what it was like playing with Michelle Wie at this year's Sony Open?
A: "It was awesome. I had lots of fun. She was a great girl, and it was a great experience for me. The crowds were unbelievable."
Q: Were you nervous at all?
A: "Well, on the first tee, I told my caddie, 'We've got a little strategy here. We're going to look at the ground, tee it up, look at the target and hit it.' That's what I did.
"About three holes later I looked around and I saw it was packed, a lot of cameras, a lot of TV, a lot of media. I was excited. It kind of kicked in in a very positive way, and I think I took advantage of the opportunity and played some good golf the second day."
