Meet the only Filipino American golfer swinging his dreams in the PGA Tour
Photo from ricohoey3/Instagram
Basketball may be the Philippines’ quintessential sports but one Filipino American golfer is set to prove that amidst the hurdles of golf not being accessible to everyone, he is waving the Philippine flags in the PGA Tour.
This year, Rico Hoey is changing the game with Philippine flags standing tall — an unusual sight in a PGA Tour. He kickstarted his fourth PGA Tour game as a full-fledged member at Thursday’s initial round at The American Express Tournament.
Hitting a 9-under-par 63, missing just a 62 when he short putt on 18 and going past the hole at the Nicklaus Tournament course. Given the close Filipino family ties, the ubiquitous support from his family is evident.
“It was kind of cool having everyone out here, my family, my dad, girlfriend, coaches, everyone,” Hoey said during the tournament. “Feels like a home event for me. I only live an hour away. I grew up out here, playing junior tournaments out here, so it was fun.”
After six years of being a pro, @RicoHoey is going to the big stage 🤩
Welcome to the @PGATOUR! #TOURBound pic.twitter.com/d6acvwR0qr
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) July 5, 2023
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Filipino American golfer Rico Hoey’s journey
Born in the Philippines and raised in Rancho Cucamonga, California, Hoey grew up in an athletic family with both sisters also playing golf. This Filipino American golfer’s passion began at home.
Honing his skills at Rancho Cucamonga High and USC, he’d already showcased his talents that proved his success one day — competing not just for the US but also for the Philippines during his teen years. He was part of the Philippine National team in 2013 Putra Cup and was one of the top players in the “Dream Team.”
He won the Callaway Junior World Championship and the Junior America’s Cup in 2012. Before he claimed his ticket to the PGA Tour, his journey was not without hurdles.
In 2017, after turning pro and playing for PGA Tour Canada for the first time where he triumphed in the Freedom 55 Financial Championship at around 22 years old, he suffered injuries, inconsistent results and low spirits.
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Thanks to the director of golf at Goose Creek Golf Club in Southern California, Ross Fisher, who saw his golf potential and gave him a job at Goose Creek.
“It was a low point for me, where it’s like, I’m injured, I have nothing to do, I’d rather do something than sit around, and (Fisher) was the one who envisioned everything, even through those tough times,” Hoey shared with PGA Tour.com.
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Fast forward to 2023, his career took an unexpected turn — a win at the Korn Ferry Tour’s Visit Knoxville Open with high stats marked his comeback and paved the way for his chance at the PGA Tour.
Meanwhile, Hoey will start at No.10 this Thursday with four birdies before his turn. While birdie holes 1,4, 5, 6 and 7 will put him in a tie with Christiaan Bezuidenhout for second place.
This Filipino American golfer’s history is still being written, with each tournament and round a new chapter in his burgeoning career. We just can’t wait to see what’s next for Rico Hoey.
