AusGolf -
Flinders Pro-Am snares World Golf Champion
1 February 2012
With the 2012 Flinders Pro-Am sponsored by Bendigo Bank just a week away, 6th February 2012, The Flinders Golf Club are happy to announce that Karl Vilips, two time US Kids World Champion will compete in the event as an amateur.With a strong Junior Development Program at the Flinders Golf Club it is hoped that having an accomplished junior golfer the likes of Vilips participate in the pro-am will encourage more children in the area to participate in golf.
“Karl is only 10 years old and has already enjoyed much success at an international junior level and we are confident that he will help our push to attract the kids on the Mornington Peninsula to take up the game of golf,” said Graham Scoffern, the President of The Flinders Golf Club.
The Flinders Golf Club has been the scene of many great performances by junior golfers including Aaron Baddeley.
“In 1998 when Aaron Baddeley, one of Australia’s finest international golfers, was just 16 years old he shot a remarkable 63 at Flinders GC during a qualifying round of the Victorian Amateur Championship. It would be fantastic to see Karl emulate this round in the pro-am,” added Scoffern.
Karl who plays of a men’s handicap of seven is pleased to be participating in the Flinders Pro-Am sponsored by Bendigo Bank.
“Karl is delighted to play in the Flinders Pro-Am on Monday as this is his first time on this coastal and most picturesque course. He is also looking forward to meeting his professional and amateur playing partners” says Paul Vilips, father of Karl.
The Flinders Pro-Am sponsored by Bendigo Bank is sure to be a success with a strong field that includes some of the PGA Tour of Australasia’s top professionals such as Ashley Hall, Scott Laycock and Terry Pilkadaris.
Event Details
Venue: The Flinders Golf Club, Bass Street, Flinders
Date: Monday 6th February 2012
Time: Shotgun start at 8am and 1pm
Entry: Free, schoolchildren on excursion are encouraged to attend
Charity: Flinders Golf Club supports Very Special Kids
Contact: Tim Reynolds, Secretary / Manager, Flinders Golf Club, 03 5989 0583, 0401 565 400
Ray Sneddon, Organising Committee, Flinders Golf Club, 0407 308 286
Karl Vilips
Currently plays off a men’s handicap of 7 and his highlights to date are:-
· won his 2 World Kids Championships at age 7 and 9
· won 25 tournaments in Australia and 6 in the USA
· had his 1st hole in one at the Syeuan GC in the 2009 Callaway Junior Worlds at age 7
· competed in his first US Kid’s World Championship in the 6 year old division with half a set of beginners clubs and finished 7th.
· received his first set of golf clubs (plastic) at age 2 and a beginners metal kids set at age 4
· current swing speed of over 80mph and Driver carry of over 180 yards
· Has met many famous golfers and sporting personalities, including Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Rickie Fowler, Luke Donald, Stuart Appleby, Geoff Ogilvy, Aaron Baddeley and Sam Newman.