Tiger Woods‘ Sun Day Red apparel line has its first official (non-Tiger) PGA Tour ambassador, and his name is Karl Vilips.
Vilips, 23, grew up idolizing Woods and followed a similar trajectory to the PGA Tour.
The Australian was a child prodigy, winning the Junior Worlds at age 10. He moved to the United States at age 11 and went to Stanford, like Woods, in part because of the legacy the 15-time major winner created while in Palo Alto. Vilips earned his Tour card via the Korn Ferry Tour last year, winning at the Utah Championship and finishing 19th in the standings en route to Rookie of the Year honors.
“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,” Woods said in a press release. “With his impressive track record and determination, I have no doubt he will make a significant impact quickly on the PGA Tour and is one of the game’s future stars.”
Vilips will make his PGA Tour season debut this week at the 2025 Mexico Open at VidantaWorld after being sidelined to start the season due to an injury. He’ll do so wearing the brand of the golfing legend whose footsteps he hopes to follow.
“It’s a thrill to be a part of Sun Day Red, especially so early on as we start to grow the brand around the world,” Vilips said. “Tiger Woods was my idol growing up, and knowing that he drives the insights and meticulousness behind Sun Day Red’s apparel and footwear gives us a unique edge that no other company can match. I couldn’t be more proud to be the brand’s first official ambassador.”