Former Gator Ricky Castillo set to make his first start as a PGA Tour Member

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Former Gator golfer and 2023 National Champion Ricky Castillo (2019-23) is set to make his first start as a member of the PGA Tour. 

Castillo earned his PGA Tour Card this October after finishing 26th in the Korn Ferry Tour’s points list. The Yorba Linda, Calif. native played in 25 KFT events during the 2024 season, making 19 cuts with one runner-up, four top-10 and seven top-25 finishes while only missing five cuts. 

Castillo became the third Gator to earn their PGA Tour Card in as many years, with Tyson Alexander (2006-09) earning his in 2022 and Alejandro Tosti (2014-18) becoming a full time member in 2023. 

Castillo and Tosti will join PGA Tour veterans Billy Horschel (2005-09) and Camillo Villegas (2000-04) as the four Gators in the field at the Sony Open. 

Horschel is coming off a resurgent season on Tour, winning his eight tournament in April before recording a runner up finish at The Open Championship in late July. Overall he played in 23 events with 13 top 25s and seven top 10 finishes. 

The Sony Open will begin Thursday at 12:10 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the NBC Sports Golf Channel. Fans can also follow the action at PGATOUR.com or on the PGA Tour app. 

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