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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, February 7, 2009

Villegas fights off elements to maintain Buick lead

Associated Press

SAN DIEGO — Camilo Villegas accomplished his goal yesterday in the Buick Invitational, keeping it around par and keeping the lead while playing the tough South Course in all the elements a golfer dreads, from rain to wind to cold.

John Rollins was one shot behind. On a tough day for scoring, Rollins holed out a 9-iron for eagle and made six birdies on his way to an 8-under 64 that at least gave Villegas some company heading into the weekend.

Villegas teed off in a steady rain, and when he reached the exposed holes along the Pacific bluffs, more rain arrived equipped with gusts up to 25 mph that made the San Diego weather feel more like Sun Valley. But he scrambled for pars, took advantage of a few par 5s and wound up with a 70 that put him at 11-under 133.

"I looked at my caddie walking down the 10th fairway — it was just pouring — and I told him, 'Listen, let's find a way to keep it around par and maybe get it in the red numbers,' " Villegas said. "I scrambled pretty good and 2 under, I'm happy with it."

Charley Hoffman shot a 66 on the easier North Course and was at 7-under 137. Phil Mickelson made three bogeys on the par 5s at the North Course for a 72, leaving him at 2-under 142.

Playing the North, Hawai'i's Dean Wilson, a Castle High alum, shot a 73—144 and is at even-par; while Parker McLachlin, a Punahou School alum, shot a 71—145.

Eighty-five players made the cut, which was 2-over 146.

ELSEWHERE

Australian Ladies Masters: Nikki Campbell shot a 7-under 65 to take a one-stroke lead over fellow Australian Kristie Smith in the Australian Ladies Masters in Gold Coast, Australia. Campbell had a 10-under 134 total at Royal Pines. Smith shot a 62 to match the course record set by six-time winner Karrie Webb in 2007.