Rafael "Junior" Castrillo was born on December 16, 1956, in Madrid, Spain, while his parents, Dr. Rafael Castrillo Cruz and Maria Mercedes Garraton Torrent, pursued their medical degrees. At just one year old, he arrived in Puerto Rico and began his education at Academia San Antonio and San Ignacio, Rio Piedras. His family later moved to Richmond, Virginia, when he was eight, and then to Marion, Ohio, at the age of 12. Rafael graduated from Marion Catholic High School and continued his studies at the University of Toledo in Ohio.
Rafael's fascination with golf began in 1964 when his uncle Luis Garraton introduced him to the Berwind Country Club in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. He was captivated by the immaculate greens and soon started visiting golf courses wherever he went.
While living in the United States, Rafael joined the Marion Catholic High School golf team and competed against teams from other states, winning two consecutive years. He also played on the University of Toledo's golf team.
In 1979, Rafael returned to Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, and joined the National Golf Team of Puerto Rico. He played in the Hoerman Cup in Puerto Rico and Barbados, securing victory for the National Golf Team of Puerto Rico.
As an amateur golfer, Rafael participated in and won over 20 tournaments in Puerto Rico, including the Intercontinental Life Insurance Cup, Rotary Club of Puerto Rico Tournament, the Hank James Memorial Tournament, and the Serralles Don Q Cup. He also represented Puerto Rico in the Simon Bolivar Cup in Maracaibo, Venezuela. In 1981, he turned pro, playing in mini-tours in Orlando, Florida, and winning more than 15 PGA of America South Island Chapter tournaments. He represented Puerto Rico in two World Cups: in 1991 at Lake Nona and in 1999 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
All Sport International: Golf Passion Turned into Service & Legacy
In 2000, Rafael founded All Sport International to share his extensive golf knowledge and experience with others. Through his passion and dedication, he continues to contribute to the golf community in Puerto Rico and beyond. In recognition of his outstanding achievements and impact on the sport, Rafael is honored to be inducted into the Rio Piedras Golf Hall of Fame. His legacy inspires a new generation of golfers and cements his place as a distinguished figure in the world of golf.
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