Camilo cheered by supporters

Colombian loving fans but wary of distractions

Last updated: 11th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Camilo cheered by supporters

Villegas: well supported

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Camilo Villegas expects to enjoy vociferous support at the WGC-CA Championship in Miami this week, but admits it can sometimes prove a distraction.

The in-form Colombian was cheered home at last week's Honda Classic in Florida as he secured his first PGA Tour title since the Tour Championship in September 2008.

The 28-year-old is sure to receive even more of a partisan following this week with plenty of Miami's large Hispanic community sure to descend on Doral to offer support.

At the Honda Classic he was, as always in Florida, accompanied by fans decked out in the Colombian colours of yellow, red and blue and, while looking forward to more of the same, Villegas acknowledges he has to stop himself from getting carried away sometimes.

"It's awesome to see the Colombian flags and the guys with the shirts and all that good stuff, but you've got to be careful because it can distract you a little bit," he stated.

"You know they are there. You know they are supporting you. But it's one shot at a time.

"You've got to be focused, look forward, and just focus on playing good golf.

"If you play good golf, they are going to have a good time, and it will be a win-win situation."

Memorable few weeks

Villegas' win at PGA National last Sunday capped a memorable few weeks for the South American who, as well as finishing third at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship last month, was also involved in bringing last week's Nationwide Tour event to his native Colombia.

The Bogota Open was the first time a PGA endorsed tournament has been held in his homeland and Villegas has been encouraged by feedback from the event.

"I had a chance to talk with a lot of the American players and the guys that organised the tournament, caddies and everything, and I haven't heard anything bad yet," he added.

"They seemed to really enjoy it. The golf course was in good shape. The people were very friendly and they had a good time down there.

"That's the main thing, to get people down there, to show them reality, and just like every country in the world, we have our own problems. But it's a great place. I love it."