The 24-year-old entered the week on the number in the FedEx Cup standings with only the top 100 earning full privileges for next season, down from 125 in previous years.
With just two holes to play, Vilips could not afford any slip ups at the low-scoring Seaside course at Sea Island where he found himself a whopping eight shots behind the leaders.
He then hit the accelerator. He went birdie-birdie on the par-4 eighth and ninth to move to within six off the lead on Thursday.
It should fill him with confidence heading into Friday's second round at the Plantation course which is also being used for the opening two rounds.
The average score at Seaside was 67.8 (2.2 shots under par), compared with 68.5 at the Plantation (3.5 shots under par).
The Seaside typically is a stronger test because of the wind coming off the water. Except on this day, there was no wind and exceptionally warm weather, ideal for low scores.
Joint tournament leader Doug Ghim took a major step towards keeping his card with a 10-under 60.
Ghim narrowly missed a putt for 59 at the Seaside course.
Davis Thompson, the son of tournament director Todd Thompson, and Rico Hoey were also on 10 under, each with a 62 at the Plantation course used for the opening two rounds.
Andrew Putnam was in range of a sub-60 round until he closed with two pars for a 61 on the Seaside course. Joining him at 9-under is Andrew Novak.
Ghim ran off four straight birdies, two of them from the 15-foot range, and he had a birdie putt from 20 feet on the 18th hole that slid by the hole.
"I thought I made it halfway there and at the end of the day that's all I really can do," Ghim said. "Just pleased to just have a chance really."
Ghim came in at No.125, so this was the start he needed. He's not sure how high he has to finish to get into the top 100, and he's not sure he wants to know.
"If someone tells me, it doesn't really change anything," Ghim said. "I probably need to finish top 3. I don't know exactly what the numbers are, but honestly, out here finishing third is almost just as hard as winning.
"So I'm just focused on playing solid golf and hopefully getting my chance to win."
Putnam came in at No.119. The other three from the leading five scores are all safe for next year.
Johnny Keefer, who led the Korn Ferry Tour this year to secure his card, came into the week at No.50 in the world ranking and could use a big week in a bid to get into the Masters. He overcame a rugged start with seven birdies on his last 10 holes for a 65 at Seaside.
Takumi Kanaya of Japan bogeyed his last two holes for a 68. Last week in Bermuda, he missed a short par putt in the wind that cost him 16 spots in the FedEx Cup, leaving him at No.99.
Harrison Endycott, the only other Australian in the field, shot a two-under 68. He entered the week at No.210.
with AP
13°C