Karl Vilips
Karl Vilips was born on August 16, 2001, in Jakarta, Indonesia, to Paul Vilips and Wulan Meilanie. His parents divorced in 2002, and his mother returned to Indonesia, leaving Paul to raise Karl alone in Perth, Australia . Paul introduced Karl to golf at age two, gifting him his first clubs on Christmas 2003. Despite financial hardships, Paul supported Karl’s passion, even trading found golf balls for equipment.
Karl’s early talent led to multiple junior titles, including the US Kids World Championships at ages seven and nine. He moved to the U.S. at 11 to pursue golf more seriously, eventually attending Stanford University. In 2024, he turned professional and quickly made his mark by winning the Utah Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour. As of May 2025, Karl is not publicly known to be married or have children.
Karl Vilips’s Performance on PGA Tour
Karl Vilips achieved his first PGA Tour victory at the 2025 Puerto Rico Open, finishing with a record-setting 26-under-par 262. This win, in just his fourth PGA Tour start, placed him among only 12 players since 1970 to secure a victory so early in their careers. Vilips’ performance included an impressive final round of 8-under 64, culminating in a three-shot lead over Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen . His triumph earned him $720,000, 300 FedExCup points, and a two-year PGA Tour exemption.
Beyond the immediate rewards, Vilips’ victory granted him entries into prestigious tournaments like The Players Championship and the PGA Championship. Notably, he became the first player to win on the PGA Tour while wearing Tiger Woods’ Sun Day Red apparel, highlighting his role as the brand’s ambassador. Vilips’ composed demeanor and clutch performance under pressure have drawn comparisons to seasoned professionals. His rapid ascent in the golfing world suggests a promising future on the PGA Tour.
Latest News on Karl Vilips
5/27/25
Karl Vilips, a 23-year-old Australian golfer, continues to make headlines on the PGA Tour in 2025. After his breakthrough victory at the Puerto Rico Open in March, where he shot a 26-under-par 262 to win by three strokes, Vilips has been gaining attention for his rapid ascent in professional golf. This win, in just his fourth PGA Tour start, placed him among only 12 players since 1970 to secure a victory so early in their careers. His performance not only earned him a two-year PGA Tour exemption but also entries into prestigious tournaments like The Players Championship and the PGA Championship.
In addition to his on-course achievements, Vilips made history as the first player to win on the PGA Tour while wearing Tiger Woods’ Sun Day Red apparel, highlighting his role as the brand’s ambassador. Following his victory, he received a congratulatory message from Woods himself, further cementing his status as a rising star in the golfing world. Despite missing the cut at both The Players Championship and the PGA Championship, Vilips remains focused on building his career, drawing comparisons to seasoned professionals for his composed demeanor and clutch performances under pressure. His recent top-15 finish at the Charles Schwab Challenge, where he tied for 11th place and earned $203,775, indicates that he is poised for continued success on the PGA Tour.