“Been dreaming of this one since I was 6. Thank you to my family, friends, sponsors, and entire team for the endless support this season. I’m grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to compete on the PGA Tour.” This was the statement of the professional who got his PGA Tour card after the exceptional performance that continued to help him since his early days of competition.
The golf world has known him since he turned pro, but Ricky Castillo has had a long story that began at an early age with push from his grandparents. So let’s get to know the story and life of the American professional better.
Early life and family of the 24-year-old professional
Ricky Castillo was born on August 28, 2001, in Yorba Linda, California, in a family that was deeply rooted in resilience and work ethic. Castillo’s parents, Mark and Kim Castillo, were educators and had financial constraints. Being the middle child with his elder brother, Derek Castillo, and younger sister Kelli Castillo, he spent time with his grandparents, who helped him on his journey as a professional.
Immigrated from the Philippines after World War II, Orlina and Lydia Castillo, their grandparents, worked on sugar cane plantations in Kaumakani, Kauai. The immigration not only helped the golfer in his early introduction to the sport but also paved the way to his golfing career. His grandparents helped him with his golfing passion as his parents faced financial struggles. Even to this day, he wears a puka shell necklace in honor of his grandmother. The early push from his paternal grandparents helped him with the roadmap for his golfing career, which started with his junior endeavors.
Junior and amateur career of Ricky Castillo
The golfer went to the Valencia High School, where he began participating in golf events and won at multiple levels. In junior golf, Castillo first won at the Los Angeles City Junior and Winn Grips Heather Farr Classic in 2016. Not just this, but two years later, he added two more victories to his junior career. The then 17-year-old also won the Los Angeles City Junior Championship and PING Heather Farr Classic. With the great performances at junior level, he got a chance to represent the USA in the Junior Ryder Cup the same year.
Later, from 2019 to 2023, he attended the University of Florida, where he had major achievements in his career. The golfer in 2020 was named for the NCAA Division I Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award and the SEC Freshman of the Year. He won the Gators Invitational in 2020 and 2023, along with the Sea Best Invitational in 2020. The performance helped him become the Florida Gators’ all-time leader in career stroke average of 71.15 and was a three-time All-American.
Soon after the performance at the collegiate level, it was time for the golfer to leave a mark among the top professionals in the golf world.
Ricky Castillo is living his childhood dream
Unlike the majority, Ricky Castillo, who turned professional in 2023, won his debut event. In June 2023, he won the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open on the Korn Ferry Tour. He scored 19 under par to clinch his first win and full exemption for the Korn Ferry Tour. As the second year of the tour (2024) concluded, he was placed 26th on the points list and earned his PGA Tour card. The dream of his lifetime came to reality, all thanks to his runner-up and four top-10 finishes.
Well, with the rookie year on the PGA Tour, the golfer, despite missing the cut at the first event, has shown great resilience. Do you think he can keep up the same momentum? What are your thoughts on it? Share with us in the comments below.
The post Meet Ricky Castillo: PGA Tour Rookie’s Personal Life, Career, and More Explored appeared first on EssentiallySports.
