Exclusive: Golfer handpicked by Tiger Woods reveals text details after first PGA Tour win

Newly-crowned PGA Tour winner Karl Vilips has revealed to GolfMagic what Tiger Woods said to him via text after he won the Puerto Rico Open. 

Australia's Vilips, 23, earned a last-minute invite to the coveted Players Championship this week with a three-shot victory at Grand Reserve Golf Club. 

He also became the first golfer not named Tiger to secure a victory whilst wearing the premium Sun Day Red apparel.

Vilips carded a blistering final round of 8-under 64 to reach a 72-hole total of 26-under. 

"It's something I could only dream of as a kid," Vilips told GolfMagic after he secured victory on only his fourth start on the PGA Tour. 

Vilips revealed in his winner's news conference that Woods sent him a text and left him a voicemail too. 

Hilariously, Vilips left the 15-time major champion on read because there was just too much to take in. "I'll get back to that later," he told reporters. 

So what did Woods say?

"He said he was super proud of me and that he really enjoyed watching that back nine," Vilips said. 

Vilips' team of coaches were also understandably delighted. 

His mental coach Rick Sessinghaus - who also tutors Collin Morikawa - told us he was proud of Vilips considering he had to overcome a serious injury before his rookie season. 

"He's embraced the mental side and only staying focused on what he can control," Sessinghaus said. 

Vilips swing coach Col Swatton - who recently began working with Jason Day again - said he felt like a 'proud dad'. 

His college coach, Conrad Ray, watched from afar: "I'm really happy for him. 

"He has been through a lot and it’s fun to see him win."

Along with a spot in the field at TPC Sawgrass, Vilips' victory also means that he has secured a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour. 

Vilips has also secured a spot at the US PGA Championship in May. 

Editor's note: Garrett Johnston is host of Beyond the Clubhouse.