Rising Aussie star Karl Vilips has been handpicked by Tiger Woods to become the first brand ambassador for the 15-time Major winner’s Sun Day Red clothing line.
Affectionately known to US golf fans as ‘Koala Karl’, Vilips, aged 23, started his golfing journey in Mandurah back in the early 2000s before moving to the USA to complete his high school and college education.
Like Woods, he played golf for Stanford University – graduating last June – and earned his PGA Tour card for 2025 via his high finish on the season-ending Korn Ferry Tour rankings.
Vilips will be sporting Sun Day Red kit as makes his debut as a PGA Tour member at this week’s Mexico Open, and says he’s blown away to be championing Wood’s new brand.
“To have me on the team is something that I take to heart,” said Vilips. “I want to represent [Tiger] the best way that I can. Everything that he stands for, I stand for as well.”
Vilips idolised Woods throughout his formative years, having first met him as a wide-eyed youngster on a visit to the United States.
“The first time I met him, I was 6 and I was just awestruck looking at him,” Vilips recalled. “Couldn’t really say anything, just listened to whatever he had to say, which I couldn’t tell you what that was now.
“Throughout this whole process, it’s been really cool to hear what he’s had to say about me in picking me as an ambassador. It’s a huge honour.”
In announcing the partnership with Vilips on Tuesday, Woods said: “Karl’s journey has been marked by success at every level he’s played. At Sun Day Red, we were drawn towards his relentless work ethic and pioneering spirit that embody what we stand for and look for in our athletes.
“With his impressive track record and determination, I have no doubt he will make a significant impact quickly on the PGA Tour.”
Karl Vilips earned his 2025 PGA Tour card via the Korn Ferry Tour rankings
Vilips ready to live up to the hype
Vilips’ path to the PGA Tour has been closely monitored since he won US Kids World Championship titles at age seven and nine, and the Callaway Junior World Championship as a 10-year-old.
After graduating from Stanford last year, Vilips played two events on the PGA Tour Americas, won in his fourth start on the Korn Ferry Tour, and finished 19th on the points list as well as being named Rookie of the Year.
Now, as he prepares to make his PGA Tour debut, Vilips is in confident mood, having struggled with a back injury that flared up during the Australian Open last December.
“It’s a dream come true to get the [PGA Tour] card, that’s what I always wanted,” he said. “But this is also part of the plan to get to where I want to be, which is the best player in the world.
“My game’s in a good spot at the moment where I can compete and it’s just all about how I handle it out there, getting into a flow and just embracing everything around me.”
You’ll be able to keep up to date with Vilips’ efforts at the Mexico Open on the PGA Tour website.
Photos: Getty Images
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