A chat with Filipino PGA Tour qualifier Rico Hoey

Rico Hoey is the first Filipino to qualify for the PGA Tour, where all golfers dream of playing.

Despite this being his first year on Tour, he has created a lot of buzz with his exceptional play, especially in the second half of 2024.

Last July, he nearly won his first tournament, only losing in a five-way playoff at the ISCO Championship. That second-place finish net him a handsome purse of $268,000.

Since then, his performance has been quite consistent. 

He had an eighth-place finish in the Barracuda Championship and a good showing in the Black Desert Championship.

Before heading to Japan for the Zozo Championship, he finished tied for third in the Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas, which led to his biggest paycheck on Tour of $413,000.

We caught up with him in Tokyo last week.

Philstar.com: A week ago you were in Las Vegas for a tournament, now you’re in Japan, it’s been a whirlwind two weeks.

Rico: Yes! But it’s part of the job. I can’t complain. This is a dream of mine, and I’m so happy to be here. It’s one of those tournaments that I marked on my calendar, where I wanted to come out and play. So, I’m glad to be here.

Philstar.com: You’ve been in such great form here in 2024, what would you attribute that to?

Rico: I have a really good team around me. My caddy, Brian Marr, my coach Ross Fisher, and also family, my girlfriend, they’ve been such a huge support (network). It’s a tough year being a rookie, so for me trying to learn something all at once it’s kind of tough sometimes, but having a great support team makes it a lot easier.

Philstar.com: Why does it seem like you didn’t have trouble adjusting to life on the PGA Tour?

Rico: You know it’s a lot easier out here, versus hopping into cars, driving four hours away for a small purse. Everyone out here, the staff they’re so helpful. It makes my job easier. I just need to go out and play.

Philstar.com: We’ve had two ladies (Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina)  representing the Philippines in the Paris Olympics this year. We are looking forward to you doing the same in 2028.

Rico: I would love to! I would love to bring gold! That would be great!

Philstar.com: What would you tell all the young aspiring golfers in the country?

Rico: I wouldn’t say I’ll be a role model, but really, just keep aspiring, keep working hard, and you’ll never know where life will take you. Just trust your gut and go.

Philstar.com: Billiards has Bata Reyes, bowling has Paeng Nepomuceno, Manny Pacquiao for boxing; you might just be the next national icon for golf this time. 

Rico: (Laughs) Wow! That’s a first! But yes, that would be awesome. I’m a proud Filipino and I’m happy to be out here representing the country, and being the first one to make it to the PGA Tour, it’s a huge blessing and a huge honor. I don’t take it lightly. I’m out here grinding for everybody back home.