Jan 25, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Ricky Castillo plays his shot from the second tee during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course - South Course. Mandatory Credit: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images

Former Gator Ricky Castillo Earns First-Career PGA Tour Victory

Florida men’s golf alumni have continued to perform in their professional careers, and another former Gator just earned his first PGA win.

For the first time in his career, former Gator Ricky Castillo secured his first PGA Tour victory at the Puerto Rico Open on Sunday. Castillo’s win marks the 100th all-time for the University of Florida.

Castillo took a one-stroke lead in the sixth hole with a chip-in eagle. In the final two holes, Castillo had a one-shot lead, at 17-under. The former Gator did not have any bogies on Saturday or Sunday, for 52-straight holes, which was crucial to his success in Puerto Rico.

Castillo shot a weekend low of 68 consecutively in the first three rounds, and finished the final round at 67 for a total 72-hole score of 271. This triumph earned Castillo an exemption into The Players Championship on March 12-15, and the PGA Championship on May 14-17.

The California native spent all four years of his collegiate career with Florida. He earned All-SEC honors four times and won SEC Freshman of the Year in 2020. He was also a three-time All-American and played an integral part in the program’s National Championship run in 2023.

The former Gator will head to Jacksonville to compete in the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass which takes place March 10-15.

Category: Gators Men's Golf