US Open Form Guide

08	07	06	05	04	03	02	01	00	99
9	26	59	-	MC	-	-	-	-	-

One of the most identifiable personalities on the US Tour, the Colombian lifted himself to a new level at the end of 2008. Prior to that it was his funky clothes, popularity with women fans and his idiosyncratic way of reading greens (see photo) which had earned him column inches. But when he closed out the last campaign with victories at the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship - the final two events of the FedEx Cup play-offs - Villegas proved there was substance as well as style. 2008 also saw him prove he had the necessary skills to challenge for Majors. He finished ninth at the US Open at Torrey Pines, shot the lowest round of the week, a 65, at Royal Birkdale and produced some excellent golf to claim fourth spot in the USPGA - his best major finish to date. But after a slick start to the season which included a couple of top-five finishes, a brief flirtation with the European Tour and a career-best 13th at The Masters, the Colombian has gone off the boil somewhat with his last top-10 finish coming at the CA-Championship back in March. He is not a million miles away as he proved by tying for 14th at the Players Championship in May, but with Bethpage Black sure to provide a stern test of accuracy from tee to green Villegas will have be right on top of his flamboyant game. However, he's a man who loves the big stage so discount him at your peril.