Former Gator is top rookie at Chrysler Championship

By: Dave Wirth

Palm Harbor, Florida - Former Florida Gator golfer, Camilo Villegas, is wrapping up his first year on the PGA Tour, at this week's Chrysler Championship at the Innisbrook Resort. He has turned heads with his ability, his earnings, and his wardrobe. The 24-year-old from Medellin, Columbia, has earned $1.7 million, and ranks 37^th on the money list.

Camilo Villegas, PGA Tour Rookie

“It's been a great year. It's been a fun year, and I've learned a lot, and there's a lot to keep learning. ”

He hasn't won yet, but he did take a 2^nd place at Doral in March. And that huge Hispanic audience in Miami, made him feel right at home.

Camilo Villegas

“Miami was a great week. It felt more like a soccer tournament. There were a lot of Latin people...friends, family who came from Columbia, and they made it really special. Obviously, playing well makes it a little more fun.”

Villegas isn't out to break the mold. Still, his style and his wardrobe are distinctive among the conservative tour players. His clothes designer is J. Lindenberg of Sweden, who he describes as very creative. And he even did a photo shoot for GQ Magazine. But he doesn't like to talk about the "distractions" for a successful, single pro golfer.

Camilo Villegas

“I'm out here to play golf. This is a tough job. There's time for work, and there's time for fun. I miss Columbia, and I like heading down there. But this is a job.”