PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — He played before huge galleries when paired with Michelle Wie earlier this year at the Sony Open, then had thousands more watching him stalk Tiger Woods at Doral last week.

Camilo Villegas embraced the attention both times — and probably lured fans his way in the process.

The PGA Tour rookie from Colombia is off to a sizzling start, with two runner-up finishes in six events and already pocketing $821,571 in earnings. He was one shot behind Woods at the Ford Championship, vaulted to 95th in the world rankings and now seeks more success at the Honda Classic, which opened Thursday.

A largely Latin crowd at Doral quickly included Villegas among its favorites.

rewarded their interest with three rounds of 67 or better. He made two birdies over his final five holes to make a move, and wound up collecting $484,000 — more than double his 2005 season earnings on the Nationwide tour.

"I think he's got a lot of charisma, carries himself very well," said David Toms, who tied with Villegas for second last week. "I can just tell by the way he goes about his business, and he obviously can play golf pretty well, too. So he doesn't seem like he's intimidated by what's going on out here at all."

The biggest thing missing from Villegas' short resume is a win. And in three of the last four years, the Honda has seen a first-time PGA Tour victor, including last year, when Padraig Harrington did the honor.