Ricky Castillo Shoots 68 to Hold One-Shot Puerto Rico Open Lead at 12-Under

Ricky Castillo leads the Puerto Rico Open by one stroke after a bogey-free 68, while 18-year-old Blades Brown sits one back following a 50-foot eagle.

Ricky Castillo carded a bogey-free 4-under 68 at Grand Reserve Golf Club to reach a 12-under 204 total, securing a one-stroke lead heading into the final round of the Puerto Rico Open. Despite missing out on the $20 million Arnold Palmer Invitational by just 11 points in the standings, Castillo navigated strong winds on Saturday to position himself for the $4 million purse in Rio Grande. His third round was highlighted by a chip-in birdie on the par-4 12th hole, allowing him to maintain a narrow edge over a crowded leaderboard that includes 18-year-old Blades Brown and John Parry of England.

John Parry, who secured his PGA Tour card through the European tour standings last year, will join Castillo in Sunday’s final pairing. The stakes for the winner include more than just the prize money; the champion earns automatic entry into both The Players Championship and the PGA Championship. Castillo noted that while he has held similar leads previously without converting them into victories, he feels prepared to capitalize on this opportunity tomorrow.

Blades Brown Chases History at Grand Reserve

Blades Brown, an 18-year-old who graduated high school in January, posted a 3-under 69 to move within one shot of the lead. The highlight of Brown’s afternoon occurred on the par-5 14th hole, where he drained a 50-foot eagle putt. This performance marks his second significant run of the season, following a stint in the final group with Scottie Scheffler at The American Express. During that previous event, Brown struggled on Sunday with a 74 to finish tied for 18th, but he currently sits in a prime position to become the youngest winner on the PGA Tour in 95 years.

Brown credited his experience playing alongside world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Si Woo Kim for his current composure. He entered the clubhouse confident in his ability to compete under pressure, emphasizing that the wind conditions on Saturday provided valuable experience for the final 18 holes. Matti Schmid also moved into the group at 11-under par after shooting a 68, joining Brown in the hunt for the title.

John Daly II and Chandler Blanchet Shift Standings

John Daly II, the 22-year-old son of the two-time major winner, briefly held a share of the lead during his PGA Tour debut. Daly II reached 10-under par after striking a 5-iron onto the green at the par-5 12th hole to set up an eagle. On the subsequent par-5, he utilized a driver off the deck to reach the front of the green, though he settled for par following a 75-foot three-putt. His round concluded with his first bogey in 47 holes; after missing the 18th green to the left and chipping long, he lipped out a 15-foot par attempt to finish the day.

Chandler Blanchet entered Saturday with a four-shot cushion but struggled on the greens, missing several short putts en route to a 2-over 74. This slide dropped him from the solo lead into the chasing pack at 11-under par. Blanchet’s difficulties with the flat stick stood in contrast to Castillo’s steady performance, as the latter avoided any dropped shots despite the intensifying gusts throughout the afternoon.

Tournament Implications and Final Round Outlook

The Puerto Rico Open serves as a critical pathway for players not qualified for the signature event in Florida. With the winner receiving a payout equal to the $4 million winner's share at Bay Hill, the financial and professional rewards are substantial. The field must contend with a course that Daly II described as having the windiest conditions of the week, making club selection and distance control difficult. As the final round approaches, the leaderboard remains tight, with Castillo’s 204 total serving as the benchmark for a field featuring both seasoned professionals like Parry and emerging talents like Brown and Daly II.