Karl Vilips celebrated a monumental career milestone by winning the 2025 Puerto Rico Open, followed by an unexpected voicemail from his idol Tiger Woods. The 23-year-old Australian shot impressive rounds of 65-67-66-64 at Grand Reserve Golf Club, finishing at 26 under par for a three-shot victory.


As the first brand ambassador for Woods' Sun Day Red apparel line, Vilips' victory holds special significance. His journey to the PGA Tour included playing at Stanford (Woods' alma mater) and earning Rookie of the Year honors on the Korn Ferry Tour.

After sinking his winning putt, Vilips received a surprising message from an unknown number – a voicemail from Tiger Woods himself. The moment left him speechless during his press conference.

"I got one from a random number that called me as well," Vilips shared. "Then there was a voicemail saying it's Tiger and I couldn't process it in the moment."

The win carries additional meaning given Vilips' lifelong admiration of Woods. He's studied Tiger's career highlights extensively, from the famous "Better Than Most" putt at The Players to the dramatic 2008 U.S. Open playoff at Torrey Pines.

The victory earned Vilips $720,000 and a spot in The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, where he'll have a unique advantage – he's been living near the course since November and practicing there regularly.

Vilips' win validates Sun Day Red's choice in their first brand ambassador and marks an impressive start to his PGA Tour career, with this victory coming in just his fourth Tour start.

The 2025 Players Championship begins Thursday, March 13, at TPC Sawgrass' Stadium Course, where Vilips will look to continue his momentum on a course he now knows well.

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