Australian golf prodigy Karl Vilips has put himself in the box seat to win his first PGA Tour event after taking the 54-hole lead at the Puerto Rico Open in just his fourth career start.
The 23-year-old from Perth showed poise beyond his years, navigating the Grand Reserve course with the confidence of a seasoned pro to tie the 54-hole scoring record with rounds of 65-67-66.
Vilips, who earned PGA Tour card by finishing No.19 on the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour Points List, revealed he is battling a mystery stomach bug, shedding weight and struggling to keep his energy up.
“I wish my stomach felt a little bit better, but it is what it is,” Vilips admitted after his third round. “You’ve got one more day, just battle through it.”
Despite his physical struggles, Vilips has found a way to stay in control, capitalising on the scorable conditions at Grand Reserve. “I think if you just put it in play, it’s pretty simple from there,” he said. “You can give yourself a lot of good looks.”
With a win, Vilips would lock up PGA Tour status and announce himself as Australia’s next rising star.
Meanwhile, take a moment to absorb this about Kieron Van Wyk, who shot 65 on Saturday sit tied second, one shot behind Vilips: He is making his debut in any PGA Tour-sanctioned event while playing on a sponsor’s exemption, and he could become the second amateur in just more than a year to grab a PGA Tour win, following Nick Dunlap’s victory in the 2024 American Express. Before Dunlap, the last amateur with a tour win was Phil Mickelson in 1991.
Van Wyk, 22, currently is playing his senior season at Charleston and would immediately earn a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour with a victory. He’d be the first golfer to win on the APGA and PGA Tour and would join Cameron Champ (who has three wins) as the only Black players other than Tiger Woods to win since the last victory in 1986 for 14-time champion Calvin Peete.
A win by van Wyk would be extraordinary, considering his background. He grew up in the suburbs of Johannesburg as an elite-level soccer player before being introduced to the game by his dad. Van Wyk made a long-distance commitment to College of Charleston head golf coach Mitch Krywulycz without any trip to the campus during COVID-19. Among his achievements with the Cougars is becoming the first Black golfer to win the Colonial Athletic Association individual title in 2022.
On Saturday in Puerto Rico, van Wyk made an eagle and five birdies to shoot seven under after opening 66-68 at the Tom Kite-designed Grand Reserve Golf Club.
“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,” van Wyk said. “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.”
Of course, under the circumstances, van Wyke is predictably battling some nerves, but he’s been helped in that regard by his caddie, Charleston assistant coach and fellow South African JP van der Walt. “I think my caddie just does a good job of that with me, keeping me present and in the moment out there. Energy’s one thing when it gets so hard to stay focused. I’ve really been trying to just maintain my energy levels and making sure that I’m eating enough out there just so I don’t lose focus.”
