Rollins takes 3-shot lead to final round of Buick

February 8, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — It was easy for John Rollins to feel ignored, even after taking a three-shot lead in the Buick Invitational.

He played in the final group Saturday with Camilo Villegas, whose picture can be found in magazines that Rollins doesn’t even read, and Charley Hoffman, who grew up in San Diego and had plenty of supporters at Torrey Pines.

Despite three-putt bogeys on three of his final seven holes, Rollins hit enough solid shots on the South Course for a 2-under 70 and had the outright 54-hole lead for the first time in his nine years on the PGA Tour.

He got up from his chair in the press center as Villegas arrived, and the Colombian playfully said, “Go on, get out of here.”

“You’re the star,” Rollins replied.

Rollins doesn’t seem to mind. He has two PGA Tour victories, but currently is camped at No. 199 in the world ranking after a dismal year in which his swing was altered after he lost 40 pounds.

“Obviously, everybody wants to see ‘Spider-Man’ do his thing. Yes, the cover of all the magazines, all that kind of stuff,” Rollins said. “I was just out there doing my job, and I had fun with it. I think as the round got going, and I did have the lead, I think there were some fans that started to sort of cheer me on and try to keep me going.

“But it was definitely a two-man fight in the gallery’s eyes.”

It might be a two-man battle today, although that depends on Rollins.

After missing a 4-foot par putt on the 18th hole, Rollins was at 12-under 204. He has had a share of the 54-hole lead three times without winning, but this is the first time he has some wiggle room.

Villegas had a one-shot lead to start the round and was five behind at the turn after a double bogey on the par-5 ninth when his bunker shot flew into the gallery. But he steadied himself the rest of the way for a 2-over 74, leaving him at 207. They will be joined in the final group by Nick Watney, who shot a 71 and was five shot out of the lead.

“Unfortunately, I made a couple mistakes that set me a little bit back,” Villegas said. “But it’s OK. I’ll come back tomorrow with a good attitude and give it my best.”

Paul Goydos nearly holed out a wedge on the final hole and tapped in for birdie for a 72, putting him at 210 with Luke Donald (71). The group another shot behind included Hoffman.