In a remarkable display of skill and composure, Karl Vilips from Australia secured his first PGA Tour victory by winning the Puerto Rico Open with an impressive final round of 8-under 64. The win came in just his third start as a professional golfer.
Vilips, proudly sporting the iconic “Sun Day Red” attire made famous by Tiger Woods, showed why he belongs on the PGA Tour. A graduate of Stanford University, he has devoted his life to reaching this pinnacle, and his triumph has earned him entry into upcoming prestigious tournaments such as The Players Championship and the PGA Championship, along with a two-year PGA Tour exemption.
Reflecting on his achievement, Vilips expressed gratitude for the role his father played in shaping his career from a young age. “It’s a dream come true for both my dad and me,” he shared. Having moved to the U.S. at 11 to advance his golfing career, Vilips has realized ambitions he had fostered since childhood.
The competition was fierce, with Denmark’s Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen mounting a formidable challenge by birdieing six consecutive holes on the back nine to post a closing 63. Neergaard-Petersen’s incredible streak momentarily gave him the lead following Vilips’ bogey on the 12th hole. However, Vilips quickly regained command by birdieing the next three holes, including the par-5 14th with a superb pitch and the par-3 15th with an impressive tee shot landing just 5 feet from the hole.
Maintaining his composure throughout, Vilips completed his round without any further errors, successfully sinking a 6-foot birdie putt on the final hole to secure a three-shot victory. Elated, Vilips couldn’t contain his excitement, celebrating with a fervent exclamation as the final putt dropped.
Playing under a commissioner’s exemption for international players, Neergaard-Petersen delivered a remarkable final day comeback after a setback on Saturday. His runner-up performance guarantees him a place in the Valspar Championship in two weeks, and he remains optimistic about future prospects, stating, “I’m super happy for the day. I’m looking forward to another opportunity.”
Joseph Bramlett, also a Stanford alumnus, claimed third place with a round of 68, finishing five strokes behind Vilips. South Africa’s Kieron Van Wyk, who sought to emulate previous amateur success on the tour, couldn’t maintain enough birdie momentum and, alongside Steven Fisk, tied for fourth after concluding with a 70.
Vilips’ victory, finalized with a 26-under 262 score, netted him $720,000. Due to the Puerto Rico Open coinciding with the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the win does not grant him an invitation to the Masters, but it certainly highlights his bright future on the professional golf circuit.
