Karl Vilips Claims First PGA Tour Win

Karl Vilips secured his first PGA Tour victory at the Peuto Rico Open, earning exemptions into The Players Championship and the PGA Championship. However, he did not receive an invitation to The Masters since the Puerto Rico Open was played the same week as the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

The Australian claimed his first PGA Tour win title in just his third professional start, closing with three consecutive birdies to emerge victorious in an unexpected duel, finishing with a brilliant 8-under 64.

The 23-year-old is the first brand ambassador for Sun Day Red, the clothing line launched by legendary golfer, Tiger Woods. The rookie expressed his satisfaction after wrapping up a thrilling victory against his Danish opponent, Rasmus Neergard-Peterson.

“It’s a dream come true for me and my dad,” Vilips said. “This is what we dreamed of as a kid.”

Vilips’ father has played a key role in his career, guiding him from the age of 11 through a stellar junior career and a scholarship to Stanford. The Australian finished at 26-under 262 and earned $720,000 for the win.

How Vilips Clinched His First Win

Rasmus Neergard-Peterson appeared poised for victory after birdieing six straight holes on the back nine, closing with a 63. However, Vilips responded with an outstanding charge.

The Dane took the lead briefly when Vilips made a bogey on the 12th hole after misjudging a wedge shot from the fairway. But the Australian bounced back to birdieing the next three holes and added a nifty pitch to set up a birdie on the par-5 14th hole to regain the lead. He then tee shot to 5 feet for birdie on the par-3 15th.

Vilips roared in joy as he held his ninth birdie of the day on the 18th hole and earning a two-year PGA Tour exception. He now sets his sights on the prestigious Players Championship taking place in Florida next week.

“It’s frustrating to make a bogey with a wedge from the middle of the fairway,” he said. “My caddie just said to me to stay in the present and try to do everything you can to execute the next shot and I was able to put that behind me and just start again.”

A Star in the Making

He finished the tournament with a remarkable record of 26-under total, making an incredible milestone in the career of the Australian and he sealed his breakthrough moment in PGA Tour. A former child prodigy, Vilips has been tipped for stardom ever since he won the US Kids Golf World Championship at age 7, later adding two Callaway World Junior titles to his name at ages was 10 and 12.

Now, with his first PGA Tour win under his belt, the Australian’s long-anticipated rise is official underway.