Born in the Philippines but grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where he and his two older sisters (Kay and Simone) grew up playing Goose Creek Golf Club, a parkland-style public course in nearby Mira Loma.

Earliest golf memory is watching Tiger Woods at the Farmers Insurance Open.

Began to work with Ron Stockton, son of 10-time PGA TOUR winner Dave Stockton and brother of Dave Stockton Jr., around the time he turned 10 years old; the biggest lesson Ron taught young Rico was to imagine shots and be creative because "there's no such thing as a straight shot," so he taught Rico how to cut and draw the ball as he told him to "go curve the ball and have a good time."

Known for wearing square diamond earrings, Rico got his ears pierced and began wearing earrings when he was in second grade. Rico jokingly "bluffed" his mom and said he wanted earrings, and she actually called Rico on it and took him to a nearby Claire's to get his ears pierced.

Aspirations outside of golf include writing a book.

His sisters, Kay and Simone, played college golf at Long Beach State University, where Kay (2004-09) was a two-time All-America Second Team selection, two-time Big West Conference Golfer of the Year, and set a school record with seven individual wins, while Simone (2009-13) won twice and was a two-time All-Big West First Team honoree.

Played four seasons at University of Southern California (2013-17), earning three All-America accolades (First Team in 2017, Second Team in 2016, Third Team in 2014), four All-Pac-12 Conference First Team honors, and the 2014 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year award.

Finished second to Oregon's Aaron Wise at the 2016 NCAA Championships at Eugene (Oregon) Country Club; he notably finished ahead of Arizona State's Jon Rahm (T3), Vanderbilt's Matthias Schwab (T3), Texas' Beau Hossler (5th), Alabama's Robby Shelton (T8), Illinois Thomas Detry (T10), Cal's Collin Morikawa (T10), and teammate Justin Suh (T10).

Notched three wins at USC, including two as a senior.

Recorded sub-71 season scoring averages each of his final three seasons at USC.

Earned 2 points (two halves and a win) at the 2014 Palmer Cup, and 3 points (all wins) at the 2016 Arnold Palmer Cup; he notably defeated Sam Horsfield in singles in 2016.

Qualified for match play at the 2013 U.S. Amateur Championship at The Country Club, but fell to Bobby Wyatt in the Round of 64.

Won the 2012 Callaway Junior World Golf Championships (Boys 15-17 Division) over runner-up Beau Hossler and third-place finisher Aaron Wise.