PGA Tour rookie Karl Vilips is living his best life and is on the fast track to being the next well-known name in golf. He recently became the first ambassador for Tiger Woods' brand, Sun Day Red. Woods would not choose just anyone to represent his brand. In his sixth start on the Korn Ferry Tour, the 23-year-old won the Utah Championship. The former Stanford Cardinal then earned the 2024 Rookie of the Year title and his PGA Tour card.
Less than a month into the Sun Day Red partnership, Vilips won in his fourth PGA Tour start at the Puerto Rico Open. His victory in Puerto Rico earned him a spot in The PLAYERS field, securing his card for the next two years. In Ponte Vedra, Sun Day Red put him in their new polo collection, and now he will get to rock a new product at the Valspar Championship.
Vilips will wear the new Pioneer Magnolia performance shoes as he looks to win his second PGA Tour event.
The shoe launched on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, and fans can see it on the rookie all week at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida. Based on Tiger's input and insight, this shoe combines technology and tradition to help players perform better during the golf swing. Its low-profile sole allows for more stability and control.
The shoe also includes a Blucher throat that adjusts with the foot for flexibility. Performance was the focal point for the Pioneer Magnolia, but the design team created a nice-looking shoe. It looks like a traditional wingtip shoe, but it has modern details.
There are three color waves available: off-white and brick, white and silver, and black and silver.
All three colors look well made, but the winner is the off-white and brick. It is such a good color combination and on-trend for 2025. The shoe lists for $275.
It is Sun Day Red's second shoe after launching the Pioneer Cyprus in December of 2024. Tiger shocked the world when he split away from Nike in January 2024. Shortly after the split, he announced the launch of Sun Day Red. The brand is approaching its first birthday and seems to be growing and flourishing, selling not just clothing but shoes and other golf accessories.
Woods started his own venture alongside TaylorMade Golf in 2024 after a departure from Nike, with whom he had a partnership for 27 years.
In the world of golf, where image matters greatly, Vilips' rise as an ambassador for a brand backed by Woods provides a significant boost. His accomplishments are already being linked to a resurgence in interest and excitement for new golf products as Woods expands his legacy beyond the course.
