Castillo infuses Gators with confidence boost

GAINESVILLE — Florida golfer Ricky Castillo’s star turn during the U.S. team’s recent Walker Cup victory thrust him into the stratosphere of the game’s amateur ranks.

The rest of the golf world took notice and began to envision his professional future, a consideration counter to Castillo’s longrange plan and commitment to the Gators.

The 20-year-old’s focus instead is to finish his sophomore season strongly and help UF’s program shake off its postseason malaise, beginning with Sunday’s start of the 54-hole NCAA Regionals.

“I’m enjoying college and I’m getting better in college — that’s how I’m seeing it,” Castillo said Thursday by telephone during a layover at Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport. “Right now, I’m good with staying four years. Pro golf ’s always going to be there, so there’s no real reason unless you don’t enjoy or you don’t think you’re going to get better at

GERALD HERBERT/AP

Gators sophomore Ricky Castillo, playing for the U.S. team, waves to the crowd after a made putt during the Walker Cup.