Texas Children's Houston Open

Memorial Park Golf Course



The Loop

Yeah, but who is the straightest driver?

May 06, 2010

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. - NASCAR driver Juan Pablo Montoya decided it was time to check out a golf tournament in person, so naturally he chose to follow fellow Colombian Camilo Villegas when he visited the Players Thursday morning.

"I thought it would be fun. I've known Camilo for many years now, and I've never been to a tournament before," said Montoya, who joined with Villegas to host a Nationwide Tour event in Colombia earlier this year. "He's been to a couple of races, and I've played golf with him. But this was my first time at a tournament."

Villegas shot a 2-under-par 70. Montoya did not see every shot.

"I asked him when his tee time was and he said 8 o'clock. I said, 'I'll catch you on the back nine. Too early,' " Montoya said with a laugh.

Montoya, who races Saturday in the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, S.C., is currently 18th in the Sprint Cup points standings. Villegas, meanwhile, is sixth in the FedEx Cup points standings on the PGA Tour.

Montoya said Villegas is probably the biggest athlete from Colombia. "He's huge at home. And every time he does something, he just gets bigger. He's a great influence on the kids especially."

-- *Dave Shedloski