Grew up in Yorba Linda, California, a city in Orange County. Yorba Linda is roughly 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles, and roughly 10 miles northeast of Anaheim. Ricky and his older brother, Derek, got their start in golf playing Birch Hills Golf Course in nearby Brea, California, as well as Fullerton Golf Course. The brothers often battled for one of their dad's candy bars when they played against each other as youngsters.

Older brother, Derek (the two are separated by just under three years), was a highly-touted junior prospect prior to a short stint in professional golf. Derek also played collegiately at University of Nevada-Las Vegas (2016-17 season) and Cal State Fullerton (2017-20).

Finished No. 9 in the 2023 PGA TOUR University Ranking.

Played four seasons at University of Florida (2019-23), earning three individual victories, four All-Southeastern Conference selections (First Team in 2020, Second Team in 2021, 2022, 2023), as well as a 2019-20 All-America First Team selection and the 2019-20 National Freshman of the Year award.

Helped Florida win the team national title at the 2023 NCAA Championship; he went 2-0 in match play and held a 1 up lead through 17 holes of his championship match when Florida clinched the national title.

Became one of the youngest U.S. Amateur Championship competitors in history, as he qualified for the 2015 U.S. Amateur at Olympia Fields Country Club at age 14.

Qualified for match play at the 2017 U.S. Amateur Championship, contested at Riviera Country Club, but was eliminated in the Round of 32. Later made back-to-back appearances in the Round of 16 at the 2021 and 2022 U.S. Amateurs, and notably defeated Ludvig Aberg in the Round of 64 in 2022.

Posted a strong record at the Western Amateur, reaching semifinals in 2019 and 2020. Also returned to the quarterfinals in 2021, defeating future PGA TOUR winner Joe Highsmith before falling to Michael Thorbjornsen.

Represented the United States at the 2021 Walker Cup, where he posted a 4-0 record.

Represented the United States at the 2020 and 2021 Arnold Palmer Cups.

Earned AJGA Junior All-America First Team selections in 2016 and 2018.