Little-known Rollins opens up 3-stroke lead over Villegas

It was easy for John Rollins to feel ignored, even after taking a 3-shot lead in the Buick Invitational in San Diego.

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 3-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 2 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 start 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 on the South Course, 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.

Tap-ins: LPGA Tour regular Katherine Hull shot a 4-under 68 to take a 3-stroke lead in the Australian Ladies Masters at Gold Coast, Australia. ... Lancaster Country Club in Far Hills, N.J., has been selected to host the 2015 U.S. Women's Open. Club president Jerry Hostetter calls the course a hidden gem that will show well nationally and internationally.