Camilo Villegas secured his first PGA Tour victory in nine years at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, a triumph that was met with widespread congratulations and well-wishes following the loss of his daughter to cancer, making his win a heartwarming and emotional moment for the golf community.
At Glance
– Camilo Villegas won the Butterfield Bermuda Championship after nine years without a victory
– Villegas and his wife set up Mia’s Miracles to help others dealing with cancer after losing their daughter
– Villegas returned to action despite swing problems and injuries, and his perseverance paid off with the victory
– Erik van Rooyen won a previous championship and dedicated his victory to his best friend who is gravely ill with cancer
Camilo Villegas made a triumphant return to the winner’s circle at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, marking his first PGA Tour victory in nine years. The outpouring of support and congratulations for Villegas after his victory reflects the widespread admiration for the Colombian golfer. In an emotional post-round interview, Villegas expressed his gratitude and love for the game of golf, saying, “You know what, I love this game. This game has given me so many great things, but in the process it kicks your butt.”
Villegas’ journey back to the winner’s podium has been marked by personal tragedy, as he and his wife Maria Ochoa lost their 22-month old daughter Mia to cancer in 2020. Despite the immense challenges and grief, the couple established Mia’s Miracles as a way to help others facing similar circumstances. Villegas’ return to competitive golf was urged on by Maria, and he faced numerous obstacles along the way. However, his perseverance and hard work ultimately propelled him to victory, securing his fifth PGA Tour win.
Reflecting on the significance of his victory, Villegas shared, “Like I said, I’ve got my little one up there watching it, smiling. She’s where she needs to be after a long fight.” His triumph at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship was particularly poignant following his close call at the World Wide Technology Championship the previous week, where he narrowly missed out on the win.
Amidst the celebrations for Villegas, it was also a bittersweet moment for Erik van Rooyen, who had dedicated his strong performance to his friend Jon Trasamar, who is battling cancer. Villegas, who could empathize with the pain of seeing a loved one suffer from the disease, expressed his happiness for van Rooyen and sent a heartfelt message to Trasamar. With his victory, Villegas’ return to the winner’s circle serves as an inspiring reminder of resilience and the ability to overcome adversity.
