Van Wyk Rebounds at PGA’s Puerto Rico Open

RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico — South African amateur Kieron Van Wyk made a spectacular move with a 7-under 65 on Saturday, bringing him within a single stroke of the leader Karl Vilips ahead of the final round at the Puerto Rico Open.

The 23-year-old Van Wyk, who is a senior at the College of Charleston, is embarking on his first PGA Tour event. As the leading player in the APGA Collegiate Ranking, he secured an exemption for this tournament by emerging victorious at the 2024 White Sands Bahamas Men’s NCAA Golf Invitational.
Van Wyk expressed his excitement, stating, “Definitely soaking in every moment and the crowds and having the people cheer me on. We don’t get that every week playing in college. As far as golf goes, I think it’s just like every other tournament I play, just take it as it is and hit the golf ball.”
During the round, he made an eagle on the par-5 14th hole without making any bogeys at Grand Reserve, where the event is occurring concurrently with the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.
Van Wyk is seeking to become the second amateur victor in two years on the PGA Tour. Last year, Nick Dunlop achieved a win at La Quinta to become the first amateur winner since Phil Mickelson in 1991.
“Just keep on doing what I’ve been doing the last three days, and hopefully it pays off by the end of tomorrow,” Van Wyk commented optimistically.
Meanwhile, Karl Vilips, aiming to secure his spot with a 66, leads the board with an 18-under 198. The Australian, who earned his PGA Tour card last season on the Korn Ferry Tour, is battling stomach issues.
Vilips shared, “Feeling pretty good with the position I’m in. I wish my stomach felt a little bit better, but it is what it is. You’ve got one more day, just battle through it.”
American Joseph Bramlett matched Van Wyk for second place after shooting a 64. Austin Cook stands at 16 under following a 69, while Chad Ramey (65), Steven Fisk (67), Norman Xiong (68), and William Mouw (69) are 15 under.
Rasmus Neergard-Petersen, who led after the second round, recorded a 73, slipping to a tie for ninth at 14 under in his PGA Tour debut. Neergard-Petersen received a commissioner’s exemption for international players to join the event.