About Us
About Rafael "Junior" Castrillo - Founder & Golf Pro
Rafael "Junior" Castrillo was born on December 16, 1956, in Madrid, Spain, and moved to Puerto Rico at just one year old. His parents, Dr. Rafael Castrillo Cruz and Maria Mercedes Garraton Torrent, were completing their medical degrees during that time. Rafael began his early education at Academia San Antonio and San Ignacio in Rio Piedras.
At the age of eight, his family relocated to Richmond, Virginia, and later, at 12, to Marion, Ohio. Rafael graduated from Marion Catholic High School and continued his education at the University of Toledo in Ohio. His diverse upbringing and educational journey have played a pivotal role in shaping his success and deep passion for golf.
The Beginning of a Lifelong Golf Passion
Rafael's passion for golf was ignited in 1964 when his uncle, Luis Garratón, introduced him to the Berwind Country Club in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico. Captivated by the pristine greens, Rafael quickly developed a deep appreciation for the game, making it a point to visit golf courses wherever he traveled.
While in the United States, Rafael became a member of the Marion Catholic High School golf team, where he competed against teams from other states and led his team to victory for two consecutive years. He continued to cultivate his love for the sport by playing on the University of Toledo's golf team, further honing his skills and deepening his connection to the game.
A Journey of Golf Excellence
In 1979, Rafael returned to Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, and became a member of the National Golf Team of Puerto Rico. He competed in the Hoerman Cup in both Puerto Rico and Barbados, helping secure victory for the National Golf Team.
As an amateur golfer, Rafael won over 20 tournaments in Puerto Rico, including prestigious events such as the Intercontinental Life Insurance Cup, Rotary Club of Puerto Rico Tournament, Hank James Memorial Tournament, and Serrallés Don Q Cup. He also represented Puerto Rico in the Simon Bolivar Cup in Maracaibo, Venezuela. In 1981, Rafael turned professional, competing in mini-tours in Orlando, Florida, where he won more than 15 PGA of America South Island Chapter tournaments. He also had the honor of representing Puerto Rico in two World Cups: in 1991 at Lake Nona and in 1999 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
In 2000, Rafael channeled his passion for golf into founding All Sport International, with the mission of sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with the broader golf community. Through his dedication, Rafael continues to make significant contributions to the sport both in Puerto Rico and beyond. In recognition of his remarkable achievements and lasting impact on golf, Rafael has been inducted into the Río Piedras Golf Hall of Fame. His legacy not only inspires a new generation of golfers but also solidifies his standing as a distinguished figure in the world of golf.
Currently, Rafael is in the process of transitioning the company to his son, Rafael Javier Castrillo, ensuring that the family’s passion for golf and commitment to excellence will continue to thrive for generations to come.