Ricky Castillo, a 25-year-old from California, carded a final-round 67 to finish at 18-under par, winning the Puerto Rico Open by two strokes at Grand Reserve Golf Club in Rio Grande.
Castillo entered the final round tied for the lead with South African rookie Jayden Schaper. A birdie on the par-5 15th and another on 17th sealed the victory after Schaper bogeyed 16. The win is Castillo's first on the PGA Tour in his 47th start.
'It hasn't sunk in yet,' Castillo said after tapping in for par on 18. 'I've dreamed of this moment since I was a kid. To do it here in Puerto Rico, with the amazing fans, is just incredible.'
Tournament history and impact
The Puerto Rico Open, established in 2008, has historically been an alternate event opposite a World Golf Championship. Despite that, it has produced notable winners including Viktor Hovland (2020) and Tony Finau (2016). Castillo earns 300 FedExCup points and a winner's check of $684,000.
Local organizers reported record attendance of 42,000 over four days, boosted by Castillo's presence as a rising star. The tournament generates an estimated $25 million in economic impact for the island.
I've dreamed of this moment since I was a kid. To do it here in Puerto Rico, with the amazing fans, is just incredible.
The win gives Castillo a two-year PGA Tour exemption and berths into the PGA Championship and The Players Championship. He is expected to move into the top 100 of the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time.
