Karl Vilips, a native of Australia who played at Stanford and goes by the nickname ‘Koala Karl’, is one to keep an eye on.
The 23-year-old, who in 2024 earned Rookie of the Year honors on the Korn Ferry Tour, carded three straight birdies en route to a final round 8-under 64 to win the Puerto Rico Open in early March.
It was only the third career start for Vilips as a PGA Tour member.
"It's a dream come true for me and my dad," said Vilips, referring to a father who helped create a path to a U.S. school since Vilips was 11, a top junior career and scholarship to Stanford. "This is what we dreamed of as a kid.”
With the win, Vilips, who finished with a tournament record score of 26-under 262, received a two-year exemption on the Tour.
He also earned a call from a legend.
Not long after his victory, Vilips received a text from an unknown number on his phone. The same number had called and left a message.
It was Tiger Woods. Vilips was the first brand ambassador for Woods’ Sunday Red clothing and became the first player to win wearing the gear.
“There was a voicemail saying, ‘It’s Tiger.’ I couldn’t process it in the moment,” Vilips said. “That’s pretty cool.”