The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Camilo Villegas wins in Bermuda, his first title since daughter’s death from cancer
Camilo Villegas ended a long and emotional drought when he came up with key birdies down the stretch Sunday for a 6-under 65 to win the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, his first victory since losing his 22-month-old daughter to cancer in 2020. Villegas went shot for shot with Alex Noren for five hours until all he had left was a tap-in for par in Southampton, Bermuda, for his first PGA Tour title since 2014.
Going more than nine years without winning, Villegas, 41, and his wife coped with the death of Mia, who died of brain cancer in summer 2020. Villegas was lost on the course and finished last year at No. 654 in the world.
Now he has a two-year exemption and returns to the Masters and PGA Championship for the first time since 2015. His wife began a foundation in Mia’s name, and their son, Mateo, was born in December.
“It’s tough to put into words right now. Wow, what a ride, man,” Villegas said. “I love this game. This game has given me so many great things, and in the process, it kicks your butt. Life has given me so many great things and in the process it kicks your butt, too.” He look skyward again and said, “I’ve got my little one up there watching.”
Villegas finished at 24-under 260 to win by two shots over Noren, who never recovered from two mistakes around the turn and closed with a 68.
EUROPEAN TOUR: Rory Mcilroy is No. 1 on the European tour for the fifth time. Mcilroy clinched the Race to Dubai on Sunday without even playing in the Nedbank Golf Challenge. He is assured of being ahead of the season points race regardless of what happens next week in the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
Mcilroy previously won the title in 2022, 2015, 2014 and 2012. Colin Montgomerie was Europe’s No. 1 a record eight times when it was the Order of Merit.
Mcilroy leads Masters champion Jon Rahm by 2,083 points, and only 2,000 points are available to the winner in Dubai. Mcilroy and Rahm both are playing. Adrian Meronk of Poland is third and was the only player capable of catching Mcilroy. But he had a 75 Friday at the Nedbank and closed with a 72 to tie for 15th, not earning enough points to close the gap.
EUROPEAN TOUR: Max Homa shot a 6-under 66 to win the Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City, South Africa, for his first win abroad.
Homa finished at 19 under for the tournament, four shots ahead of Nicolai Hojgaard, to add to his six PGA Tour career titles. Homa secured the win with a final round that included six birdies, an eagle and two bogeys. Hojgaard had four birdies in a bogey-free final round 68.