Ricky Castillo became a name you need to know after his 2026 Puerto Rico Open win. The 25-year-old American golfer turned pro in 2023 and needed just three seasons to capture a PGA TOUR win. Before that, he set records at the University of Florida and reached World No. 1 as an amateur.
Today he lives in Jacksonville and plays a controlled, scrambling-heavy style that travels. He’s already made 12 cuts in 13 starts this season and sits inside the FedExCup top 40. With full status through 2028, Castillo is the new face of PGA TOUR University grads who skip mini-tours and contend fast.
Who Is Ricky Castillo? Florida Gators Star Turned PGA TOUR Winner 2026
You probably saw Ricky Castillo lift the trophy in Puerto Rico and wondered who this new face is. He’s a 25-year-old American golfer who turned pro in 2023 and already owns a PGA TOUR win. Before that, he set records at the University of Florida and reached World No. 1 as an amateur. For example, he won his Korn Ferry Tour debut in a playoff just 18 days after college. Today he lives in Jacksonville and plays a controlled, scrambling-heavy style that travels.
So why does he matter right now? Castillo represents the new wave of PGA TOUR University grads who skip mini-tours and contend fast. His 2026 season shows 12 cuts made in 13 starts plus that breakthrough win. However, he’s still chasing his first Masters invite and a FedExCup Playoffs run.
Ricky Castillo Bio Profile: 25 Quick Facts
This table gives you his full background at a glance so you can reference every key fact fast.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ricky Castillo |
| Born | August 28, 2001 |
| Age | 25 [2026 season] |
| Birthplace | Yorba Linda, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Filipino-American |
| Resides | Jacksonville, Florida |
| Height | 6’1″ [1.85 m] |
| Weight | 160 lbs [73 kg] |
| College | University of Florida |
| Turned Pro | June 2023 |
| Current Tour | PGA TOUR |
| PGA TOUR Wins | 1 – 2026 Puerto Rico Open |
| Korn Ferry Wins | 1 – 2023 Wichita Open |
| Career Earnings | $2,924,900 PGA TOUR |
| 2026 Season Earnings | $1,480,445 |
| Official World Golf Ranking | 86th [mid-2026] |
| FedExCup Status | Fully Exempt through 2028 |
| Playing Style | Controlled, consistency-driven scorer |
| Strengths | Putting, scrambling, course management |
| Weaknesses | Approach play, GIR percentage |
| Parents | Mark Castillo, Kim Castillo |
| Siblings | Derek Castillo [older brother], Kelli Castillo [younger sister] |
| Fiancée | Bella Grace Naruko – engaged Dec 2024 |
| Sponsors | Titleist, FootJoy, WME Sports [NIL] |
Key takeaways:
- He went from college standout to PGA TOUR winner in under three years.
- His Filipino-American roots and puka shell necklace make him easy to spot on TV.
How Old Is Ricky Castillo and Where Is He From?
Ricky Castillo is 25 years old in the 2026 season. He was born August 28, 2001 in Yorba Linda, California, a suburb in Orange County. You’ll hear him talk about Birch Hills Golf Course because that’s where his dad, Mark, first put a club in his hands at age four. Today he bases himself in Jacksonville, Florida after his University of Florida days.
But his story goes deeper than Southern California. His grandparents immigrated from the Philippines to Kauai, Hawaii after World War II and worked sugar cane fields. That’s why he pronounces his last name “Cah-still-ee-o” and wears a puka shell necklace for his late grandmother Lydia. For instance, when he made his PGA TOUR rookie debut at the Sony Open in Hawaii, dozens of relatives came to watch.
Ricky Castillo PGA TOUR Win: How He Won the 2026 Puerto Rico Open
The 2026 Puerto Rico Open changed everything for Castillo. He entered Sunday with a one-shot lead at Grand Reserve Golf Club and closed with a bogey-free 67. That added up to 17-under par and a one-stroke win over Chandler Blanchet. Consequently, he banked $720,000 and locked up his TOUR card through 2028.
So how did he do it? He leaned on elite scrambling. Castillo missed 21 greens for the week yet saved par 19 times. For example, on the 72nd hole he chipped to 3 feet and rolled it in. His putting also shined at 28.07 putts per round. The win felt bigger because it validated his fast-track path from PGA TOUR University to winner. If you compare him to other young stars like Scottie Scheffler, you’ll notice Castillo wins with short game not pure power.
Ricky Castillo Net Worth 2026, Career Earnings and Sponsors
Castillo’s rise has been rapid and profitable. He earned nothing as an amateur yet built a net worth near $4.0M by mid-2026. The biggest jump came from his Puerto Rico Open check for $720,000. That single week doubled his career earnings. However, sponsorships now add serious weight too.
For example, Titleist and FootJoy deals bring roughly $400,000 per year. Add in his prize money from 12 cuts made and you see steady growth. So his income isn’t just trophies. It’s a mix of wins, consistent checks, and brand partners that back him every round.
Ricky Castillo Net Worth Growth Breakdown by Year
It tracks how his earnings grew each season from NIL deals to PGA TOUR victory so you see the full financial arc, with key 2026 events broken out.
| Year | Key Milestone | Prize Money Earned | Sponsorship/NIL Income Est. | Total Net Worth Est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2022 | Florida Gators, #1 World Amateur | $0 | $50,000 – $80,000 NIL (WME Sports) | $50,000 – $80,000 |
| 2023 | Turned Pro, Won Wichita Open KFT Debut | $180,000 KFT | $150,000 Titleist/FootJoy deals signed | $400,000 |
| 2024 | Earned PGA TOUR Card via KFT Points List | $650,000 KFT + PGA TOUR | $300,000 sponsors | $1.35M |
| 2025 | PGA TOUR Rookie Season | $724,455 PGA TOUR | $350,000 sponsors | $2.4M |
| 2026 | Puerto Rico Open Win, Full Exemption | $720,000 | Included below | – |
| 2026 | Charles Schwab Challenge – T42 | $29,766 | Included below | – |
| 2026 | Other PGA TOUR Earnings YTD | $730,679 | $400,000 sponsors | $4.0M |
Key takeaways:
- Charles Schwab Challenge added $29,766 to his 2026 total, helping push season earnings past $1.48M.
- The Puerto Rico Open win alone is still 48.6% of his 2026 prize money so far.
- Sponsorships now contribute roughly $400K annually, about 21% of his 2026 income.
Ricky Castillo WITB 2026: Driver, Irons, Putter, Ball, Full Specs
Gear heads love Castillo because his bag stays simple and effective. He’s a Titleist tour staff player and you’ll spot the logo on his hat, bag, and ball. He keeps his setup clean so he trusts every swing.
However, the most talked-about club is his TSR 2W mini driver. It gives him a 13-degree option for tight fairways yet still flies over 300 yards. For example, he used it at Colonial to split a narrow chute and set up birdie. That blend of control and distance makes it unique on TOUR. For a contrast in setups, look at Michael Brennan who games a different driver combo.
Ricky Castillo WITB 2026 – Full Bag Specs
It lists every club he trusts in 2026 with lofts and shafts so you can compare your setup to his.
| Club | Model | Loft | Shaft | Key Setup Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driver | Titleist GT3 | 9.0° | Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X | Low-spin: 308.3 yd avg, 375 yd longest |
| Mini Driver | Titleist TSR 2W Prototype | 13.0° | Fujikura Ventus Black 8 X | Tee weapon on tight par 4s, rare on TOUR |
| Fairway Wood | Titleist GT3 | 18.0° | Fujikura Ventus Blue 8 X | Go-to from fairway on par 5s |
| Driving Iron | Titleist T350 | 3-iron, 20° | Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black | Forgiveness at top of bag |
| Irons | Titleist 620 CB | 4-9 | True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 | Classic cavity-back feel for control |
| Wedges | Vokey SM11 | 46.10F, 52.08F, 58.08M | True Temper Dynamic Gold S400 | Early TOUR adopter of SM11 line |
| Putter | Odyssey White Hot OG #1 | 3° loft, 34″ | Stock steel | Blade for feel; 28.07 putts/round, 22nd on TOUR |
| Ball | Titleist Pro V1 | – | – | Plays #1 ball for spin control |
Key takeaways:
- The TSR 2W mini driver sets him apart from most TOUR players.
- SM11 wedges plus that Odyssey putter explain his 54th-ranked scrambling.
Why Ricky Castillo Switched to Left-Hand Low at TPC Sawgrass
He made the putter change during a practice round at TPC Sawgrass in February 2026. After three straight missed cuts with a conventional grip, he tested left-hand low for 2 hours with coach Brad Faxon. The move instantly stabilized his left wrist and improved face control. He put it in play that week at the Cognizant Classic, gained +1.8 strokes putting, and hasn’t changed since. The new setup helped him win the Puerto Rico Open one month later.
Ricky Castillo College Career: Florida Gators Records, NCAA Title, Stats
Castillo didn’t just play for Florida. He rewrote the University of Florida record book. From 2019 to 2023 he started all 41 tournaments and posted a 71.15 scoring average. That mark still sits as the program’s best ever. For example, he won the Gators Invitational twice and the 2020 Sea Best Invitational.
Yet his biggest moment came as a senior. He led the Gators to the 2023 NCAA Division I team title and went 2-0 in match play. In the semis he beat Florida State in 21 holes. Earlier he’d won the 2020 Phil Mickelson Award as the nation’s top freshman. Consequently, he left Gainesville as a 3-time All-American and 4-time All-SEC pick. If you like college stars, Parker Coody had a similar NCAA run before turning pro.
Ricky Castillo Florida Gators Scoring Record and 3 College Wins
Castillo’s 71.15 career average topped every Gator before him. He shot 63 twice and posted a 197 total at the 2020 Gators Invitational. His three wins came against elite fields and he never missed a start in four years. For instance, he also reached World Amateur No. 1 in late 2020. That mix of durability and peak performance made him a top PGA TOUR University prospect.
When Did Ricky Castillo Turn Pro and Win His Korn Ferry Debut?
He turned pro in June 2023 right after the NCAA Championship. Thanks to PGA TOUR University, he finished 9th in the rankings and earned Korn Ferry Tour status. But he didn’t wait long to make noise.
Just 18 days after hoisting the NCAA trophy, Castillo took a sponsor exemption into the 2023 Wichita Open. He fired 19-under and beat Kyle Jones and Adrien Dumont de Chassart in a playoff. As a result, he grabbed full Korn Ferry membership through 2024. That springboard mirrors what Kristoffer Reitan did on the DP World Tour after college.
Ricky Castillo PGA TOUR Stats 2026: Driving Distance, Putting, SG Rankings
If you look at the numbers, Castillo wins with short game not pure ball-striking. He averages 308.3 yards off the tee and that ranks 51st on TOUR. Yet he sits 138th in greens in regulation at 63.04%. So he misses more greens than average. However, he saves par often because his scrambling and putting are elite for a second-year player.
For example, he gains +0.106 strokes putting per round and ranks 22nd in putts per round at 28.07. That combo helped him go bogey-free on Sunday in Puerto Rico. When you compare him to power players like Ross Steelman, you’ll see Castillo trades GIR for elite up-and-downs. His approach play remains the big gap.
Ricky Castillo Key Stats vs PGA TOUR Average 2026
It compares his core metrics to the field average so you see where he gains and loses strokes.
| Stat Category | Ricky Castillo | TOUR Avg | Difference | TOUR Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Distance | 308.3 yds | 300.1 yds | +8.2 yds | 51st |
| Driving Accuracy | 57.86% | 60.12% | -2.26% | 91st |
| Greens in Regulation | 63.04% | 65.89% | -2.85% | 138th |
| Scrambling | 63.40% | 59.11% | +4.29% | 54th |
| Putts Per Round | 28.07 | 28.91 | -0.84 | 22nd |
| SG: Off-the-Tee | +0.043 | 0.000 | +0.043 | 77th |
| SG: Approach | -0.412 | 0.000 | -0.412 | 130th |
| SG: Around-Green | +0.163 | 0.000 | +0.163 | 59th |
| SG: Putting | +0.106 | 0.000 | +0.106 | 65th |
| SG: Total | -0.100 | 0.000 | -0.100 | 98th |
Key takeaways:
- He loses .4 shots per round on approach but makes it up around greens.
- Distance plus putting keep him competitive every week.
Ricky Castillo Strengths and Weaknesses: Putting vs Approach Play
You can sum up Castillo’s game in one sentence: elite putter, streaky irons. His putting shows up at 28.07 putts per round and he ranked top-25 in one-putt percentage at Puerto Rico. For instance, he holed a 33-footer on 16 at Colonial during the Charles Schwab. Consequently, he turns pars into birdies and saves tough up-and-downs.
But the approach play hurts him. He ranks 130th in SG: Approach and hits just 63.04% of greens. That forces him to scramble more than peers like Chandler Blanchet, who he beat in Puerto Rico by one. If Castillo improves iron accuracy by even 2%, his scoring average could jump into the top 50. Until then, he’ll rely on tempo and mental toughness.
Ricky Castillo 2026 Season Results: Charles Schwab, PGA Championship, Top Finishes
Castillo’s 2026 card shows one word: consistent. He made 12 cuts in 13 starts and posted two top-10s. His lone missed cut came at the PGA Championship, his first major as a pro. However, he bounced back fast with a T42 at Colonial. For example, he opened with 65 at the Charles Schwab Challenge and drained that 33-foot birdie on 16.
That kind of week-to-week floor keeps him inside the FedExCup top 40. Unlike some rookies, he avoids big numbers and grinds out pars. He shares a similar cut-making profile with Pierceson Coody, another PGA TOUR U grad.
Ricky Castillo 2026 PGA TOUR Season Results
It logs every tournament finish, score, and payout so you can follow his year at a glance.
| Date | Tournament | Finish | Score | To Par | Earnings | FedExCup Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 5–8 | Puerto Rico Open | 1 | 68-68-68-67 | -17 | $720,000 | 300 |
| Jan 8–11 | Sony Open in Hawaii | T31 | 69-67-68-70 | -6 | $35,600 | 22 |
| Jan 22–25 | American Express | T44 | 68-70-69-66 | -15 | $21,420 | 11 |
| Jan 28–31 | Farmers Insurance Open | T43 | 72-70-70-70 | -6 | $23,940 | 12 |
| Feb 19–22 | Cognizant Classic | 5 | 69-66-69-67 | -13 | $325,000 | 110 |
| Mar 19–22 | THE PLAYERS Championship | T70 | 72-73-76-75 | +8 | $45,000 | 6 |
| Apr 16–19 | RBC Heritage | T60 | 71-68-69-66 | -3 | $25,500 | 5 |
| Apr 30–May 3 | Cadillac Championship | T55 | 71-72-73-71 | -1 | $22,100 | 4 |
| May 7–10 | Truist Championship | T60 | 70-72-74-70 | +2 | $20,800 | 3 |
| May 14–17 | PGA Championship | CUT | 74-73 | +7 | $0 | 0 |
| May 28–31 | Charles Schwab Challenge | T42 | 65-69-74-71 | -1 | $29,766 | 8 |
| Jun 4–7 | Texas Children’s Houston Open | T44 | 70-69-71-69 | -5 | $22,000 | 7 |
Key takeaways:
- Only one missed cut in 13 starts shows elite consistency.
- Puerto Rico win plus Cognizant top-5 built 70% of his 2026 earnings.
Ricky Castillo Family, Parents, Siblings, Ethnicity: Filipino-American Roots
You hear “Cah-still-ee-o” on the tee because Castillo’s roots run through the Philippines and Hawaii. His paternal grandparents left the Philippines after World War II and worked sugar cane fields on Kauai. Later, his dad Mark grew up there before moving to California. As a result, family is central to his story.
Mark and Kim Castillo are both teachers in Yorba Linda. They drove him to junior events when money was tight. His older brother Derek played D-I golf at UNLV and Cal State Fullerton, and they still battle at home. His younger sister Kelli rounds out the family. For example, 30+ relatives showed up at Sony Open in Hawaii. That support system mirrors what you see with Zach Bauchou and his tight family crew.
Ricky Castillo Puka Shell Necklace: Meaning and Grandmother Tribute
Castillo wears a puka shell necklace for his late grandmother Lydia. She helped fund his junior golf when the family budget was stretched. She passed in 2014, yet he keeps her memory close each round. For instance, he kissed the shells after his Puerto Rico win. It’s more than style; it’s motivation under pressure.
Is Ricky Castillo Married? Wife Taylor DeBolt, 2025 Wedding, Engagement Details
Ricky Castillo married Taylor DeBolt, formerly Bella Grace Naruko, in September 2025. The couple got engaged in December 2024 after his first full PGA TOUR season. You’ll often see her walking inside the ropes on Sundays.
So how does she help? Castillo credits her for his mental game shift. She reminds him “there’s more important things than golf” and that keeps him loose. Consequently, he plays free on Sundays. Their story is similar to other TOUR couples like John Parry and his wife who travel together full-time.
Ricky Castillo World Ranking, FedExCup Standings 2026, Masters Odds
As of mid-2026, Castillo sits 86th in the Official World Golf Ranking and inside the FedExCup top 40. That’s huge because it locks Signature Event starts for 2027. However, he still needs to crack the OWGR top 50 to earn his first Masters invite.
For instance, a win or solo second at a full-field event would likely do it. He told media after Puerto Rico: “This doesn’t get me into Augusta yet, so I’ve got work to do.” His trajectory looks like William Mouw, another 2023 grad climbing fast.
What’s Next for Ricky Castillo? Goals, Major Ambitions, Ryder Cup 2027
You should expect two big targets next. First, Castillo wants to fix approach play and pair it with his elite short game. If he moves from 130th to 70th in SG: Approach, he becomes a weekly contender. For example, just 2% more greens hit would flip many T44s into top-20s.
Second, he’s eyeing majors and team events. He made his PGA Championship debut in 2026 and wants Augusta next. Long term, a 2027 Ryder Cup spot is the dream after his 4-0 Walker Cup record. That team path mirrors what Austin Greaser hopes to follow from the amateur ranks. With full status through 2028, Castillo now controls his schedule and can chase those goals.
Conclusion
Ricky Castillo isn’t just another rookie riding a hot week. His path from Florida Gators standout to PGA TOUR winner in under three seasons proves he belongs. With a repeatable tee game, elite scrambling, and sponsors like Titleist already behind him, the foundation is set.
What comes next matters more. He’s chasing his first Masters invite, a FedExCup Playoffs run, and consistency in majors. If 2026 showed us anything, it’s that Castillo doesn’t need time to adjust. He skips steps, wins early, and looks built for the long haul.
FAQs
What nationality is Ricky Castillo?
He is American and was born in Yorba Linda, California.
How does Ricky Castillo pronounce his last name?
He pronounces it cas-TEE-yo with the emphasis on the second syllable.
How much did Ricky Castillo win at the Puerto Rico Open?
He earned $720,000 for his 2026 win and it secured his full PGA TOUR status through 2028.
Where does Ricky Castillo live?
He currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida, after moving there from California.
Did Ricky Castillo go to college?
He played four years at the University of Florida and graduated in 2023.
Is Ricky Castillo married?
Yes, he married his wife in September 2025 after getting engaged in December 2024.
You may also like this:
Ahmed Hassan is an AI-powered SEO specialist and golf content writer with 2 years of experience. At CelebDecoded.com, he writes about emerging golfers, player profiles, rankings, NIL deals, and more.