The Honda Classic Golf Tournament was held at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, March 1-7, bringing together a field of talented players from around the globe. Winner of the tournament was a former University of Florida golf star, Camillo Villegas, who had left his native Columbia to come to America to attend college and play golf. After earning his degree and enjoying a successful college golf career, he decided to try his hand at becoming a professional golfer. At age 28, he has now won his third PGA Tour event and is one of the top golfers on the tour and a definite fan favorite.
Since purchasing a home in Jupiter 2 ½ years ago, Camillo was thrilled to be in this tournament and play golf in his own backyard, able to go home every night and sleep in his own bed, and to open his closet and have a whole wardrobe to chose from, not just pluck something out of a suitcase. He had just spent the week in his native Columbia where he helped bring a Nationwide Golf Tour event to town. He is extremely proud of his country and was thrilled to have a chance to showcase, to all these young golf professionals, what a beautiful place he calls home.
While home, Camillo devoted his time to conducting clinics for the kids and urging them to work hard at the game.Golf has taken off in popularity in Columbia, due to Camillo’s meteoric rise as a golf star. Many of the children are heeding his advice and dreaming about perhaps getting a chance to come to America for school and to play as Camillo and his brother did. Soccer is the No. 1 sport in Columbia, but golf is definitely coming into its own. He urges the children to set goals — what do you want to accomplish and how do you want to do it?“Take it easy, have fun.Golf is fun and you have to enjoy it,” he said.
Camillo’s devotion to kids goes right along with the whole theme of the Honda Classic, which is to provide a quality sports event in our area, but also to give back to the children. This year’s event generated $642,000 for over 30 local charities strictly for the kids. The Jack Nicklaus Children’s Health Foundation, which provides charitable support for activities that advance and enhance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of childhood diseases and disorders, is the main recipient of funds. But, there are also the Boys and Girls Club, Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation, Place of Hope and many others.
Over 1,200 volunteers donate their time so that more money can go right to the kids. Even local students donate their time to earn service hours and to help the kids. Some of the same volunteers return year after year, and one hears all kinds of stories of what draws them back. Some have moved away, but still return. Several have had recent physical limitations, but found a job where they could sit and still work and donate their time. One hears the names of so many of these golfers and these tournaments, but one must remember the enormous amount of money for local causes these events generate throughout the year at each stop of the PGA.
One last side note: The Honda Classic is sponsored by Honda Motors, and I spent the whole week gazing at all those fabulous-
looking cars displayed all over the golf course, including one right in the middle of a lake! I also talked to some of their very knowledgeable sales reps, and I came away knowing that the new car that I am going to buy is, indeed, going to be a pretty new blue Honda! Thanks to a loyal sponsor for all their years with this tournament. I will send them my pic with my new car and my letter of thanks for their generosity when I am sitting in the driver’s seat, proud as can be!
