Ricky Castillo Leads Puerto Rico Open After Bogey-Free Round at Grand Reserve Golf Club

Ricky Castillo had hoped to be in Florida this week for his first $20 million signature tournament. Instead, he's playing in the Puerto Rico Open and making the most of it, shooting a bogey-free 4-under 68 in high winds to take a one-shot lead into the final round.

On a day of significant movements, Castillo had one of the more consistent performances at Grand Reserve Golf Club on Saturday. John Daly II temporarily matched with the lead during the round, and 18-year-old Blades Brown remained near the top of the leaderboard. Castillo produced one of the most important shots of the day when he chipped in for birdie on the 12th hole. From there, he maintained control over the last stretch in the difficult circumstances, finishing with a total score of 12-under 204.

The excellent performance propelled him into the last group for Sunday, alongside England's John Parry, who earned his PGA Tour card through the European Tour standings last year. "This is the position that all of us have dreamed of and want to be in—a chance to win a golf tournament," Castillo told the crowd.

"I've been fortunate to have that opportunity a few times and haven't gotten it done, so hopefully we'll do it tomorrow."

Young Contenders Challenge the Leaderboard

Among the challengers was 18-year-old Blades Brown, who delivered one of the round's highlights. Brown sank a 50-foot eagle putt on the par-5 14th hole to finish at 3-under 69 and keep himself in contention. The teenager now has another chance to become the PGA Tour's youngest winner in 95 years. Earlier this year, he shared the final group with Scottie Scheffler at The American Express before fading in the final round.

"All this is just experience," explained Brown, who graduated from high school in January. He pondered on his earlier opportunities, noting that he had made few mistakes during the tournament. A pair of late bogeys after Scheffler had already seized command resulted in a final-round 74 that tied him for 18th.

Regardless of the outcome, Brown stated that competing with strong players such as Scheffler and Si Woo Kim prepared him for future opportunities. "Just having that moment and that experience with Scottie and Si Woo and being in the final group is going to help me tomorrow, being in the hunt again," Brown told the crowd.

"I am really looking forward to it. I enjoy competing, and tomorrow promises to be a fantastic day."

Strong Performances from Other Competitors

Matti Schmid scored a 68 and remained within striking distance, finishing one stroke behind the leaders. Chandler Blanchet, who started the third round with a four-shot lead, struggled throughout the day, especially on the greens. Missed opportunities on short putts contributed to his round of 74, allowing other contenders to catch up.

John Daly II, the 22-year-old son of two-time major champion John Daly, also had a strong showing in his PGA Tour debut. He temporarily shared the lead after shooting a 5-iron onto the green for an eagle on the par-5 12th hole, raising his total to 10 under. On the ensuing par 5, Daly took an aggressive approach, hitting a driver off the deck to the front of the green. However, he three-putted from 75 feet, settling for par.

His round ended with a tough 18th hole. After missing the green to the left, Daly chipped past the hole and lipped out a 15-foot par attempt, snapping a 46-hole stretch without a bogey.