Joining the professional league as a Stanford alumnus brought a lot of spotlight to Karl Vilips. Being from the same college as Tiger Woods, he caught the attention of fans for his future performance prediction. Indeed, he stood up to expectations with his exceptional performance, which was acknowledged by the Korn Ferry Tour Rookie of the Year award in 2024 and his wins as a rookie. Even though the golfer has been in the spotlight, his team, especially his course supporters, are still in the shadows. So let’s get to know Joel Craft and Co., who play a pivotal role in Vilips’s performance on the course.

Early life and career of caddie Joel Craft

Born and brought up in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, Joe has been an acclaimed golfer. He began his journey with Highlands High School and was among the top players of the school’s golf team. In 2021, he won the regional tournament by scoring even-par 72. For his performance, he also got a nickname, ‘Highlands Junior Joel Craft’ and ‘Joel Craft of Highlands.’ Following the great achievement, the golfer then attended the University of South Carolina, where he was active in campus life and prioritized studies apart from a standalone focus on his golf career.

Even at USC, he continued to play the club-level (NCCGA) events, representing “South Carolina (B)” at the 2023 regional leaderboard. However, there is not enough data available for his performance, as he kept studying as a priority. But soon after college, Craft found his way to a new professional career that was related to golf.

The former golfer, who made his name with on-course performance, soon after graduating, moved towards caddying. He joined the Korn Ferry Tour, but emerged with his partnership with the Australian professional and child prodigy, Karl Vilips. Even though there is not much information available about his caddying career, he found success with Vilips, which brought his career to light. The duo together had notable success, including the first victory as a professional at the Utah Championship in 2024. Even in 2025, the duo recorded their first win on the PGA Tour at the Puerto Rico Open.

Well, apart from his on-course guide and supporter, his team has a swing coach, mental coach, and mentor who also play a pivotal role in his success.

Karl Vilips team

Vilips, way before turning professional, partnered with a renowned coach, Colin Swatton. The Australian coach is known for his great contribution in guiding Jason Day, the former world No.1, to his career success and his notable victory at the 2015 PGA Championship. The Australian duo started working together during their freshman year at Stanford University and worked on enhancing the golfer’s swing. Swatton has found similarities between Vilips and Day, which made it easy to help.

Other than just improving the game, the 23-year-old has focused on improving his mental strength for the game and dealing with the pressure. He partnered with Rich Sessinghaus, a mental coach, to enhance his strength and composure even in the toughest situations at the course. Indeed, that has been a success for the pair, as Vilips snatched two close victories in his career (Two strokes at the Utah Championship and 3 strokes at the Puerto Rico Open). Despite the close lead, the golfer’s calm composure is proof of how the pair has worked on mental strength.

Additionally, the golfer’s journey had a huge contribution from his father, as he was the initial coach who helped him to improve the game. Till the junior years, he was the only coach who helped Karl Vilips on his journey as a professional. Even today, he continues to help him with YouTube channel management and is the golfer’s biggest supporter on the course. Even Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo played a great role in the growth of the Australian professional. The two professionals helped him with guidance on the nuances of the professional tour and helped him to adapt to it for early success.

Now, with an experienced team of professionals, including his caddie, swing coach, and mental coach, the golfer has found the best match for improving his game. However, the team is still not in the spotlight, but they have been the strongest pillar for the golfer’s success on the course. After his maiden PGA Tour victory, will he be able to add more trophies in 2025? What are your thoughts on it? Share with us in the comments below.