Camilo Villegas ended a winless drought on the PGA TOUR lasting nine years thanks to dramatic two-shot victory at the Bermuda Championship.
The 41-year-old Colombian, whose last victory on the PGA TOUR came in the 2014 Wyndham Championship, began the final day a shot behind then leader Sweden’s Alex Noren but carded a final round 66 at the Port Royal Golf Course to end the tournament on 24 under par, two shots clear of Noren.
This is Villegas’ fifth victory on the PGA TOUR but first since the passing of his 22-months-old daughter Mia from cancer in July 2022.
“It’s tough to put it into words right now but wow, what a ride man,” Villegas said. “I love this game, this game has given me so many great things, but in the process it kicks your butt. Life has given me so many great things and in the process, it kicks my butt too.
“I just want to thank everyone that’s supported me over this journey. I must have gotten 500 text messages last week and I didn’t even win the golf tournament. I felt the energy, it kept building up. I believe in energy and I’ve got my little one up there watching it, smiling – she’s where she needs to be after a long fight.”
This victory earns Villegas entry into the 2024 Masters, PGA Championship and PLAYERS Championship and also provides him with exempt status on the U.S. tour until 2025.
Germany’s Mattias Schmid finished third on 21 under, China’s Yuan Yechun came fourth on 20 under and there was a tied for fifth between America’s Ryan Moore and Australia’s Adam Scott, both on 19 under.
The next event on the PGA TOUR is the RSM Classic taking place between 16-19 November at Sea Island Seaside Course in Georgia.
