Karl Vilips is doing Tiger Woods proud.
The 23-year-old Australian golf sensation etched his name into the history books this weekend with a surprise victory on his just fourth PGA Tour start.
Vilips withstood a fierce challenge from Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen to secure a three-shot triumph and become one of only 12 players since 1970 to win on the world’s biggest tour in one of his first four starts.
And he did it while repping legendary 15-time major champion Woods.
The Stanford alum became a brand ambassador for Tiger’s ‘Sun Day Red’ apparel last month and has become the first to win on the PGA Tour wearing the clothing.
Vilips also received a number of message from the former world No 1 during and after his life-changing victory.
“It was tough because I got on my phone after the round and I was just scrolling, like who was texting me?” Vilips said after his win.
“I got one from a random number that called me as well.
“Then there was a voicemail saying it’s Tiger and I couldn’t process it in the moment, I was just trying to – I’ll get back to that later. That’s pretty cool.”
The official X account for Sun Day Red also sent Vilips a message of congratulations after the Puerto Rico Open.
“The rookie delivers! Karl Vilips always knew he wanted to compete under the brightest lights in golf,” the X post read.
“At the Puerto Rico Open, he delivered exactly that – capturing his first PGA Tour victory with a performance that matched the moment. Congratulations, Karl!”
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Following his big win, Vilips discussed his brand deal with Sun Day Red, echoing suggestions that he has ‘delivered’ for Woods.
He said: “I signed it three weeks ago, so not too long since a Sun Day Red player has got a win.
“I think it’s really special. I think it shows me that there’s a reason why they chose me to rep their brand and I’m just happy to be able to do it in a way as myself.”
Vilips’ victory at the Grand Reserve Golf Club gets him into this week’s Players Championship and the PGA Championship in May, along with a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.
He has also pocketed a cheque for $720,000 thanks to a hard-fought win.
The Australian ran off three straight birdies to break out of an unexpected duel and played his best golf when it mattered most on Sunday, for an 8-under 64 to win.
He held off a sensational charge by Neergaard-Petersen of Denmark, who birdied six straight holes to start the back nine and closed with a 63.
The Dane briefly took the lead when Vilips made a bogey on the 12th hole with a wedge from the fairway.
But the young star never flinched and he birdied the next three holes, including a nifty pitch to set up birdie on the par-5 14th hole to regain the lead.
From there, he was never out of position the rest of the way and sunk a 6-foot birdie putt on the final hole for a three-shot victory.
“It’s a dream come true for me and my dad,” Vilips said after victory, referring to a father who helped create a path to a US school since he was 11, a top junior career and scholarship to Stanford.
“This is what we dreamed of as a kid.”
