The ascension of the professional career of Karl Vilips has been quick and in just his sixth event, he’s found the winner’s circle.
Vilips shot a final-round 5-under 66 to win the Korn Ferry Tour’s Utah Championship by two shots. His previous starts on the developmental circuit: T-13, T-15 and a solo second. He’s also made one cut in two starts on the PGA Tour Americas circuit.
It was just over three months ago that Vilips was celebrating winning medalist honors at the Pac-12 Championship, the 13th Stanford mens’ golfer to win the individual conference title. That win was his lone collegiate victory.
On Friday at Oakridge Country Club in Farmington, Utah, north of Salt Lake City, Vilips posted his career low, a 9-under 62. That day’s scorecard featured an eagle and nine birdies as well as a double bogey. He then shot a third-round 64 and was tied for the lead at 20 under, his first time leading or co-leading a tournament at any point. He punctuated his win Sunday with a round that featured five birdies and nothing worse than par till he bogeyed his last hole, but at the point, it didn’t matter.
He’s now the 15th first-time winner in 20 events on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2024.
Joe Weiler and Matt McCarty, who had one of the two 61s this week on Saturday, tied for second, two shots back. William Muow was solo fourth at 22 under. There was a three-way tie for fifth at 21 under between Carter Jenkins, Austin Hitt and last week’s KFT winner, Thomas Rosenmueller.
There are now three regular-season events on the Korn Ferry Tour and then it’s the three-event playoff series.