Camilo Villegas acknowledges that he doesn’t always look at his tattoos as much as he ought to.
“Attitude” is written on his left arm, while “positive energy” is written on his right. While certain things in life are beyond our control, there are plenty that are.
At just 22 months old, a child’s death is beyond your control. After battling tumors in her brain and spine for four months, Villegas’ daughter Mia passed away in July 2020.
Injuries and on-course difficulties that almost sent Villegas back to Q-School are beyond anyone’s control. He was registered for the Second Stage of the PGA TOUR Q-School, presented by Korn Ferry, until last week. He qualified for the Final Stage thanks to his World Wide Technology Championship runner-up finish. However, there was no assurance he would have a full TOUR schedule going forward.
On Sunday, though, Villegas maintained control over his game at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship. He kept his feelings under check. However, Villegas remained in charge of his game at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship on Sunday. He controlled his emotions.
It has been nine years since his last TOUR victory and one devastating loss.
“This game kicks your butt in the process, but it has given me so many wonderful things. My life has been full of wonderful things, but it also kicks my ass in the process. I sensed the power. And it just kept getting better. Everyone on the island was really friendly and supportive. Man, you had to have faith in energy. My little one is up there grinning as she watches. After a protracted battle, she’s where she needs to be.” Villegas said after his win on the 18th green.
After their daughter passed away just over three years ago, Villegas and his wife Maria changed their pre-existing charitable foundation into “Mia’s Miracles,” which aids kids and families going through similar medical problems. Mateo, the couple’s son, was born in December 2021. His birth time was 7:56 a.m.
The time of Mia’s birth was 7:56 p.m.
“I think Mia occasionally gives me tiny messages, and this was one of them. I therefore knew that everything would work out.” Maria said during an interview with Jupiter Magazine last year.
Even though Villegas was a four-time winner on the PGA TOUR and golf was the last thing on his mind in 2020 and the first few months of 2021, he still needed to improve on the course in order to maintain his TOUR eligibility. Previously, he had missed 13 of 26 cuts the previous season and 7 of 11 this season. In his 18 starts on the Korn Ferry Tour this season, he also missed 10 cuts.
At the Wyndham Championship earlier this year, he made his Golf Channel debut as a broadcaster. His first decision to decline the offer from seasoned broadcaster Steve Sands was motivated by his desire to continue competing.
“In actuality, I’m growing older. I’m 41, and on the PGA TOUR, not many people in their 40s seem to be winning. I’ve been having trouble recovering from an injury and then attempting to go back to my best. Your response is that, although you know that people are seeing your career slow down a little, your heart is telling you to keep competing. That explains why I reacted the way that I did.” Villegas said.
But you did witness a 40-something win on the PGA TOUR this past Sunday in Bermuda, and it was Villegas himself. He led the field in greens in regulation for the week because he was a master with the irons. His Friday score of 63 put him squarely in the mix, and on Sunday, he finished in the final group for the second consecutive week, following a Saturday score of 65.
Villegas was still in his early 30s when he won the 2014 Wyndham Championship, which was his final TOUR win before this week. That was almost ten years ago. He continued to strive for growth and to make the most of his prime. Now, things are very different. He has also never felt more at ease mentally.
“To be honest, I’ve never felt more at ease in the running than I have in the previous several weeks. It’s a little unusual and kind of bizarre. I didn’t have this serenity even a few years ago when I was in contention. Golf is a game of taking advantage of streaks, and this one, which began last week, has been playing really well this week.” Villegas said.
Villegas benefits from the customary winners’ advantages as a result of his excellent play. In the FedExCup Fall rankings, he shot up to No. 75. If he continues to play well at The RSM Classic, he may be able to make it into The Next 10, which will be decided by the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Genesis Invitational. In addition, he will make his debut at THE PLAYERS Championship debut for the first time since 2016.
While Villegas acknowledged it was too soon to consider perhaps playing on the 2022 Presidents Cup team, he stated he wanted to “continue to be part of that International Team forever.” Villegas was the captain’s assistant for International Team Captain Trevor Immelman during the competition.
Adam Scott, a regular member of the International Team and a longtime friend, is overjoyed.
“The past several weeks have been amazing, so I’m very excited for Camilo. He’s such a happy person. It’s good to see him perform well once more as an old friend.” Scott said.
Goodness. From the shadows came light. An enormous loss turned into a victory.
“It’s sometimes easier said than done, but having a positive outlook on life is essential,” Villegas said.
Villegas grinned and celebrated with 6 Latin players on the Port Royal Golf Club’s 18th hole while sipping champagne, then he raised his gaze to the heavens. a triumph in marriage. A victory as a dad.
