There was one possible way to get into The Players Championship field this week, and that was to win the Puerto Rico Open. Karl Vilips stepped up.

The Puerto Rico Open has had 10 first-time winners during its 16-year existence. Make that 11. Karl Vilips, making just his fourth PGA Tour start, won the 2025 Puerto Rico Open on Sunday,

Karl Vilips is a winner in just his third start on the PGA Tour. The 23-year-old Australian delivered his best golf when he was under the most pressure in the Puerto Rico Open.

After rookie Karl Vilips won his maiden PGA Tour title in record fashion, he checked his phone and saw a message from an unknown number.

Karl Vilips of Australia ran off three straight birdies to break out of an unexpected duel for an 8-under 64 to win the Puerto Rico Open.

Karl Vilips secured his first PGA Tour victory at the Peuto Rico Open, earning exemptions into The Players Championship and the PGA Championship. However, he did not receive an invitation to The Masters since the Puerto Rico Open was played the same week as the Arnold Palmer Invitational.