Villegas ready for patience to bear fruit on PGA Tour

NORTON, Massachusetts (Reuters) - A darling of the crowds since his rookie season on the PGA Tour in 2006, Colombia's Camilo Villegas has labored patiently toward a breakthrough victory on the world's most lucrative circuit.

The Medellin native has been a runner-up three times and put himself in position to go one better with a rousing performance at the Deutsche Bank Championship on Sunday.

Six strokes off the pace overnight at the TPC Boston, Villegas matched the day's best score with a sparkling eight-under-par 63 to vault into second place, one shot behind leader Mike Weir of Canada.

"(Winning) that's been one of my biggest goals since I got on the PGA Tour," Villegas, 26, told reporters after posting a 16-under total of 197. "I've always known that I'm a good player but I've always believed that I can improve.

"I'm not one of those guys that make like big changes in my swing or just drastic stuff. I like to take it one step at a time, we can call it baby steps.

"I've been getting better and better every year and that's one of my goals. We'll keep working to continue it that way and become one of the best players in the world."

Asked if he was disappointed he had not yet triumphed on the PGA Tour, Villegas replied: "I'm very proud of myself.

"And yes, there's a little bitter-sweet taste when you work so hard and you haven't won, when you see young guys winning, and you go like: 'Man, it's about my time'.

"It's only my third year on Tour and I've learned about myself year after year. Believe it or not, one of the things I've learned this year is that there's no need to practice as much.

"There's no need to bang balls and balls and balls, but just whenever you have a good thought, whenever you have a good feeling, just keep it flowing and go with it."

One of the Tour's biggest hitters, Villegas always appears to enjoy himself out on the course, interacting with both players and fans.

A keen follower of fashion, he is a noticeable figure as he strides down the fairways in outfits that range from lemon and all-white to orange and fuchsia.

Combined with his youthful looks and athletic physique, it is no surprise he has become hugely popular with female golf fans.

"I'm just so happy to be out here and I'm just trying to be myself," said Villegas, who was selected as one of People Magazine's 'Hottest Bachelors" in 2006.

"Every time I step on the golf course I'm trying to be the best I can by trying to be myself, the way I play golf, the way I dress, the way I treat people, etcetera, etcetera.

"I think people appreciate that. I've always been lucky to be on that good side of the media, the good side of the fans and I've got to say thanks. It's fun."

(Editing by Miles Evans)