Camilo Villegas lately broke a nine-year title drought and shares his journey which incorporates the passing of his daughter, Mia, in 2020 and why he has the phrases ‘perspective’ and ‘constructive vitality’ as tattoos; Watch each PGA Tour occasion reside on Sky Sports activities Golf in 2024
By Camilo Villegas, PGA Tour golfer
Final Up to date: 05/12/23 1:00pm
Camilo Villegas displays on the ups and downs of life on and off the golf course following his latest Butterfield Bermuda Championship win
I loved two very particular weeks in November the place I completed runner-up within the World Large Expertise Championship in Mexico after which went on to win the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.
It has been an actual journey, and life is a journey the place it goes up and down. You have to return to that Colombian child who got here to the US with a dream, performed faculty golf, performed the Korn Ferry Tour in 2005 after which every part kicked off on the PGA Tour and I managed to win a few FedExCup Playoffs occasions in 2008.
You’ll suppose that child was on high of the world – and I used to be at a cut-off date. I used to be feeling fairly good from a efficiency standpoint.
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After claiming his first victory in 9 years, Camilo Villegas shared why his win within the Butterfield Bermuda Championship was such an emotional second for him.
After claiming his first victory in 9 years, Camilo Villegas shared why his win within the Butterfield Bermuda Championship was such an emotional second for him.
However as I take a look at the place I’m now and every part that has occurred, I consider I am a greater particular person. Perhaps the outcomes have not been there however this journey has been attention-grabbing.
To lose my PGA Tour card, to undergo an harm, to lose my child daughter in 2020, to create Mia’s Miracles (a charitable initiative to assist others dealing with challenges), to return to the Korn Ferry Tour, to maintain grinding, to have doubts, to have fears, to have tears, have smiles – you simply by no means know the place life takes you.
Regardless of all of the doubts, I by no means stopped waking up early, 5-5.30am, within the morning to do what I love to do as a result of in all honesty, the cool factor about these two weeks just isn’t a lot the outcomes however the course of and what’s been behind these outcomes.
As a lot as I get pleasure from reflecting on my win and the vitality that I’ve acquired from the world of golf and people outdoors of golf, belief me, it has been unbelievable. I had 900 messages on my telephone and I’ll reply to all of them.
To lose my PGA Tour card, to undergo an harm, to lose my child daughter in 2020, to create Mia’s Miracles, to return to the Korn Ferry Tour, to maintain grinding, to have doubts, to have fears, to have tears, have smiles – you simply by no means know the place life takes you.
Camilo Villegas
It is unbelievable to be sincere. You form of cease believing after 9 years however I by no means stopped waking up early and placing within the work. You have to maintain a path and maintain your thoughts to the place it must be. I am a tough employee and I like having a objective each morning and that is form of what I did.
I’ve received tattoos on my arms which says ‘perspective’ and ‘constructive vitality’ and typically, I neglect to have a look at them. There are a variety of issues you may’t management in life, however I suppose these two, you may.
You have to have good perspective in life, and it is simpler stated than carried out at occasions. And vitality, you may convey the vitality not solely to your self however to the individuals round you and that is one thing all of us ought to try for.
There have been bumps however that is life. I want my little Mia is right here with us however she’s not and she or he’s really in a greater place after an extended battle that she wasn’t going to win.
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I accepted that. We turned that tragedy into one thing very constructive with Mia’s Miracles. My spouse reads messages from individuals we assistance on Mia’s Miracles each week and I am going, ‘Man, if Mia was right here, we would not be capable to do that’.
At the start of the yr, issues weren’t going nice and I made a bit swing change. I’ve by no means been too enthusiastic about huge swing modifications however I trusted the man I began working with, Jose Campra, and he informed me he wanted a yr. I am glad it took lower than that, as right here we’re with a trophy.
Apparently, I by no means felt so comfy being in rivalry throughout these two weeks. It is bizarre, even unusual. Once I was in rivalry again within the day, I did not have this calmness.
I’ve received to analyse what occurred and attempt to replicate it extra usually. I used to be good at reacting to missed putts or lip-outs, which I am not used to being like that earlier than. There was a calmness in me.
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Highlights from the fourth spherical of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal Golf Course, Bermuda.
Highlights from the fourth spherical of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal Golf Course, Bermuda.
It was good to have the Latin gamers come out to have a good time with me on the 18th inexperienced. I suppose it was additionally payback as I sprayed Nico Echavarria with champagne when he received the Puerto Rico Open and he received me again. It is nice because it’s two wins for 2 Colombians this yr, each guys rising up on the identical golf course in Medellin.
I inform my spouse on a regular basis that if we do issues in the proper manner, individuals will take a look at you in a constructive manner and respect you. I believe that is what I attempt to do. I get pleasure from being across the youthful era and sharing what I’ve lived.
Life is about experiences. You get good and unhealthy ones and also you attempt to study from each. I used to be younger as soon as too and I had guys who helped me all through my profession.
I all the time wish to accomplish extra however I am at peace with what I’ve achieved already. It is all about sharing it with others, particularly the Latin youngsters who symbolize our area and develop the sport of golf in South America.
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