The sophomore has earned a spot on the 10-man roster, the USGA announced Monday.
LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. – Ricky Castillo has been selected as a member of the 10-man roster for the 2021 United States Walker Cup Team, the United States Golf Association announced Monday.
The Walker Cup will be held from Saturday, May 8 to Sunday, May 9 at the Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach.
Castillo has posted four top-25 finishes during his sophomore campaign. As a freshman, Castillo was named the 2020 SEC Freshman of the Year while also earning the NCAA DI Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award. He held the lowest scoring average in program history (70.08) and finished inside the top-25 in every event. Castillo joined Matt Every as the only Gators to be named a Ben Hogan Award finalist.
Established in 1922, the Walker Cup is a biennial tournament that pits ten male amateurs from the United States against a squad from Great Britain and Ireland. The USGA is responsible for the United States selections, while the R&A chooses the Great Britain and Ireland side. The two competition days feature alternating-shot foursomes in the morning followed by singles matches in the afternoon.
On Saturday, May 8 there will be eight singles matches while Sunday, May 9 will feature all 10 players from both sides. One point is awarded for each victory and a half-point is assessed for matches that are square at the conclusion of 18 holes. The United States holds a 37-9-1 lead over Great Britain and Ireland after rallying back in last year’s contest to claim its first victory on foreign soil since the 2007 Match at Royal County Down.
Castillo joins former Gators golfer Billy Horschel in the history books for this accomplishment. Horschel was a member of the 2007 Walker Cup team that featured Dustin Johnson and Webb Simpson, among others.
Head Coach J.C. Deacon’s Take
“I can only imagine how special this honor must be for Ricky and the entire Castillo family. The Walker Cup is one of the most prestigious events in all of golf. To represent the United States of America at this level is something that Ricky will cherish for the rest of his life. This opportunity was earned through years of hard work and a passionate love for the game. Watching him compete at Seminole (Golf Club) this coming May is going to be incredible.”
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