2023 RSM Classic: Top 10 power rankings at Sea Island GC

Camilo Villegas probably could use some rest after a busy last couple weeks, but it behooves him to grind it out for one more week and try to keep his momentum going at a tournament where he’s played well.

Let’s start with the main story. One of the good guys in golf won for the first time since 2014.

After finishing T-2nd at the World Wide Technology Championship, Villegas got himself right back into contention to win the Butterfield Bermuda Championship last week.

It was a heartwarming result for a player like Villegas, who’s had to recover from losing his baby daughter, Mia, to cancer in 2020. The 41-year-old Colombian had also fallen out of form, even before the family tragedy.

Villegas spent some time in the announcer’s booth this summer and has looked at career options outside of playing. It looks like he can put those plans on the shelf for a bit.

Villegas has his PGA Tour card locked up for two more seasons thanks to a stellar tournament where he carded rounds of 67-63-65-65 to win by two over Alex Noren.

"“Wow, it’s unbelievable to be honest,” Villegas was transcribed by Tee Scripts. “It feels unbelievable. Nine years, nine years where you kind of stop believing at times, but I never stopped waking up early and putting in the work. Life is interesting, it goes up and down both on the personal side and on the professional side. Just got to keep a path and you’ve got to keep your mind where it needs to be. Like I said, I’m a hard worker, I love working, I love having a purpose every morning and that’s kind of what I did.”"

Villegas went on to say he’s still committed to play this week at the RSM Classic. Then he can get some much-deserved time for R&R.

He’s rolling up to Sea Island for the 10th time. Villegas owns six made cuts with a pair of top-10s in his last five appearances. He finished T-2nd (66-67-64-68) in 2016 when he was part of a five-man playoff and T-6th (64-66-70-66) in 2020.

Villegas is not a big hitter, but he’s a crafty player who hit a variety of shot shapes to get the job done in blustery conditions in Bermuda. Taking on two shorter courses this week at the RSM Classic plays into his hands.