Paul Chaplet Bio
Paul Chaplet is a Costa Rican professional golfer who rose to international attention as a teenager by winning the 2016 Latin America Amateur Championship. The victory earned him a place in the 2016 Masters Tournament, making him the first Costa Rican player to compete at Augusta National. Chaplet has since moved from the amateur ranks to the professional circuit, competing on tours across the Americas and building on a foundation shaped by standout college golf in the United States.
Born in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, Chaplet developed his game through junior competition before taking his talents to American collegiate programs. He turned professional in 2021 and has continued to represent his country on regional and international stages, including a medal-winning appearance at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador.
Early Life and Background
Paul Chaplet was born on 18 April 1999 in San José, Costa Rica. Growing up in a country better known for soccer and outdoor adventure than elite golf, Chaplet took up the sport at a young age and quickly progressed through the junior ranks. The golf culture of Costa Rica, while smaller than that of neighboring nations, provided a starting point for a young player with a clear passion for the game.
His talent drew attention beyond national borders during his teenage years, setting the stage for opportunities to compete internationally. By the time he finished high school, Chaplet had established himself as one of the most promising amateur players from Central America, a reputation that would soon be confirmed on one of amateur golf’s biggest stages.
Path to Professional Golf
In January 2016, at the age of 16, Chaplet won the Latin America Amateur Championship in the Dominican Republic, defeating Venezuela’s Jorge García by one shot. The triumph was a defining moment not only for his own career but also for Costa Rican golf, as it secured him a place in the 2016 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. He became the first Costa Rican to play in the Masters, although he missed the cut in that major championship debut.
After his Masters appearance, Chaplet committed to Arizona State University, where he played college golf from 2017 to 2020. He then transferred to Sam Houston State University, completing his collegiate career in 2020 and 2021. While at Sam Houston State, Chaplet was named the 2021 Southland Conference Co-Golfer of the Year, confirming his status as one of the top collegiate amateurs in his conference. He turned professional in 2021, transitioning from the amateur ranks to the developmental professional tours.
Paul Chaplet Career
Early Professional Career (2021–2022)
Following his time at Sam Houston State, Chaplet made the move to professional golf in 2021. His early professional career was spent primarily on the PGA Tour Latinoamérica, where he gained valuable experience competing week in and week out against seasoned professionals from across the region. The tour provided a platform to refine his game and adjust to the demands of professional tournament play.
During this developmental phase, Chaplet balanced competition with the adjustments that come with life as a touring professional. Although specific individual results from his first professional seasons are limited in available records, his continued presence on competitive tours signaled steady progress and laid the groundwork for higher-level opportunities.
PGA Tour Americas Era (2023–Present)
Chaplet advanced to the PGA Tour Americas, the developmental circuit that succeeded portions of the former PGA Tour Latinoamérica schedule, where he has represented Costa Rica in regular competition. His progression through the developmental tours reflects a measured climb typical of players from countries without a long professional golf tradition.
In 2023, Chaplet represented Costa Rica at the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador, where he earned a medal in the individual golf competition. The appearance underscored his continued role as one of the leading golfers from his country and provided experience on a multi-sport international stage.
Driving Style and Strengths
Chaplet is a 5-foot-11 player whose game was forged in competitive amateur and collegiate environments. His development through top-tier college programs at Arizona State and Sam Houston State exposed him to demanding course conditions and high-level competition, helping shape an all-around game suited to the variety of layouts found on the PGA Tour Americas.
Notable Events and Milestones
Chaplet’s career-defining moment remains his 2016 Latin America Amateur Championship victory, which made him the first Costa Rican to play in the Masters Tournament. His medal-winning performance at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador stands as another notable milestone, reflecting his ongoing role as a national standard-bearer in the sport.
Paul Chaplet Career Wins
Paul Chaplet’s verified victories to date are anchored in his amateur career, most prominently his 2016 Latin America Amateur Championship win in the Dominican Republic. As a professional, Chaplet has competed on the PGA Tour Latinoamérica and the PGA Tour Americas, focusing on development and steady improvement rather than a large tally of tour victories.
Latin America Amateur Championship Highlights
Chaplet’s signature win came at the 2016 Latin America Amateur Championship, played in the Dominican Republic, where he edged Venezuela’s Jorge García by one stroke. The victory was historic for Costa Rica and earned Chaplet an invitation to the 2016 Masters Tournament, where he became the first Costa Rican to compete at Augusta National.
Paul Chaplet Family
Personal Life
Public information about Paul Chaplet’s family and personal life is limited. He was raised in San José, Costa Rica, and his early development in golf reflects a strong family and community support system that helped him pursue opportunities abroad.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Paul Chaplet continues to compete on the PGA Tour Americas, representing Costa Rica on a competitive circuit that spans multiple countries across the Western Hemisphere. His status as a former Latin America Amateur champion and Masters participant keeps him among the most recognized players from Central America on tour.
Chaplet’s 2025 campaign reflects his ongoing development as a professional, with each season offering new opportunities to climb the developmental tour rankings and earn status at higher levels. His collegiate pedigree from Arizona State and Sam Houston State, combined with prior international experience, provides a steady foundation for consistent performance.
As the season unfolds, Chaplet remains an important figure for Costa Rican golf, carrying the legacy of his 2016 breakthrough into every event he enters. Continued strong play on the PGA Tour Americas could position him for further opportunities on larger stages in the years ahead.