Camilo Villegas says being a flagbearer for golfing outpost Colombia has him keen to keep playing around the world, not just the lucrative United States circuit.

The popular 28-year-old world No.30 has made several trips to Australia, where he is one of the star attractions at this week's Australian Masters, at Melbourne's Victoria Golf Club.

Having sparked a growing interest in the sport in his soccer-mad homeland since breaking onto the US PGA Tour in 2006, Villegas said he had a global outlook that was not shared by many of his fellow professionals.

"I have always said I wanted to be a world player, there are many reasons why I like that. Growing up in Colombia, I am very open to the rest of the world," he told reporters.

"I know on the US PGA Tour there's a lot of players that are close-minded to the US and don't either enjoy (playing outside America) or don't think it's important to do it.

"But on my end, I enjoy travelling the world, checking out new places, new cultures, new people, competing in different countries.

"I also see the importance of being a worldwide player and just showing not only your brand around the world, but your sponsors' brands and making the game grow, not only in the States, where it's pretty strong, but other places that need it more."

Villegas, nicknamed Spiderman for his distinctive low-crouching pose to line up putts, said he had a particular liking for Australia.

"It's a very pretty country and people know their golf and they should," he said.

"I mean, a lot of great players are from Australia, as well as a lot of great players have come to play in Australia.

"I don't know how many Aussies are on tour, 20-something, the number is crazy.

"There's great golf courses too, so you start adding those things - good people, beautiful country, good golf courses, good weather, why not like it?"

Villegas, who will play the opening two rounds with Australians Michael Sim and Greg Chalmers, is one of the top fancies for the Masters, with betting agencies listing him behind favourite and reigning champion Tiger Woods and Victorian stars Robert Allenby and Geoff Ogilvy.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP