By participating in merely his fifth PGA Tour competition, he would be challenging both historical precedents and an exceptionally talented lineup of competitors.
However, does Australian golfer Karl Vilips believe he has what it takes to claim victory in The Players Championship?
"Why not?"
The young man secured his position at TPC Sawgrass for what is often considered the unofficial fifth major tournament after winning the Puerto Rico Open last week in only his fourth appearance on the tour.
Tiger Woods selected the fellow Stanford alumnus as the inaugural person to sport his Sun Day Red apparel line.
The 15-time Grand Slam winner didn’t waste time sending a message via text and leaving a voice mail shortly after the dramatic victory, as he tried reaching out amid the hectic moments following the breakthrough win.
"It’s pretty bizarre; something you could only imagine as a child," Vilips remarked.
The voicemail I received along with his message saying how proud he is of me made for an incredible experience.
Winning earned Vilips a chance to compete at the Florida track where he grew accustomed after relocating from Perth to the city at age 11.
However, he has never witnessed the Stadium Course in such a manner.
“It’s insane; I’ve never witnessed the greens this speedy and the rough this lengthy,” he commented.
However, at the end of the day, it’s all the same; just need to find the fairway and reach the green out here.
In the past four decades, only one person—the New Zealander Craig Perks in 2002—has won the Players Championship in his first attempt at the tournament.
Yet, the self-assured Aussie believes he has a shot at success.
"A solid objective would be securing a top-20 spot," he stated.
If I perform exceptionally well, without letting my nerves and all that overwhelm me.
"But definitely, why not?
I need to overcome many talented opponents and improve my game significantly from last week, though I must admit I’ve considered this possibility quite often.
Past winners Adam Scott (2004) and Jason Day (2016), along with Min Woo Lee and Cam Davis, will team up with their fellow Australian counterpart when world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler aims for his third consecutive championship.
Scheffler stated, 'Here, you can’t pretend otherwise,'
I believe the design of this golf course showcases considerable ingenuity.
He mentioned that it isn't suitable for just one kind of player.
This isn’t the kind of course where certain players excel over others. Instead, it’s the ones who have been performing at their peak throughout the week who will likely find themselves near the top of the leaderboard come Sunday.
Scheffler could potentially become just the second player, alongside Jack Nicklaus, to win The Players Championship thrice.
However, Nicklaus secured his three victories prior to the move to TPC Sawgrass in 1982.
The Masters winner is yet to find their rhythm following a month-long break in January due to a hand injury.
However, he has experienced an incredible streak, with nine wins during the 2025 season amassing a substantial ranking advantage, ensuring his position at the summit for two consecutive years.
Nobody but Woods has accomplished that.
"I believe Scottie is the nearest equivalent to Tiger that we've witnessed among all of us," stated Wyndham Clark.
Not only is he the top-ranked player globally, but he also thrives under that pressure. Each week, he consistently puts himself in winning positions or actually emerges victorious. This consistency is truly remarkable.
- with The AP
With AP
