Seven years ago, way back in 2012, we did a couple of little features during the U.S. Kids Golf World Championships. The idea was really simple – ask a couple of the kids a series of 10 questions. We were so original that we called it…wait for it…Take 10.
Anyway, one of the great little kids we talked to? Karl Vilips, who at the time, was a great…no, make that GREAT kid golfer. He even had his own nickname at 10 years old – Koala Karl (he’s Australian).
Well, just like the nickname, the golf game stuck.
Koala Karl, back in 2012 in Pinehurst.
Hard to believe now that all these years later, we see Karl at Pinehurst again – and in the quarterfinals of the 2019 U.S. Amateur.
So, of course, we have to pass along that original Take 10 with Karl. Maybe we’ll get a chance to see if any of these answers are different…
Karl Vilips is a big name in the world of Kids competitive golf. Already this year he has won the San Diego Junior Masters and the Callaway Junior World Championship in his age division. He considers winning his 10-year-old age group at the U.S. Kids another major championship and would give him “The Trifecta,” this year. Vilips won the 7- and 9-year-old division at U.S. Kids World in 2009 and 2011, respectively.
Karl Vilips hits a shot on the first hole during the round of 32 at the 2019 U.S. Amateur at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2) in Village of Pinehurst, N.C. on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019. (Copyright USGA/Chris Keane)
What is your earliest golf memory? “I got my first set of plastic golf clubs for Christmas in 2002. I was 1.”
Who is your favorite golfer and why? Bubba Watson, because he’s the most adventurous and likes to have fun with his golf swing. And I love that he won The Masters.
What do you know about Pinehurst? “I know there are 8 really good golf courses here and that most of them were designed by Donald Ross, who was pretty important.” About No. 2: “I’ve played nine holes of it. That was in 2009.”
What is your dream foursome? “Me, Bubba Watson, Luke Donald and Ernie Els.”
My best talent outside of golf is… Running
Nickname? Koala Karl
Favorite website? YouTube
Favorite club? “Driver, because I get to hit it far.”
Favorite TV show? Fairly Oddparents
Favorite athlete outside of golf? Adam Gilchrist, cricket player.