FULTON, Mo. (June 17, 2026) – More than 80 junior golfers participating in the Stan Utley Junior Tour event at Tanglewood Golf Course received a unique opportunity on June 17 as Missouri Golf welcomed PGA Tour champion, Stan Utley, for a special instructional clinic prior to tournament play.
The clinic marked the first instructional session held since the Missouri Junior Tour was renamed the Stan Utley Junior Tour, honoring one of Missouri’s most accomplished golfers, instructors and ambassadors for the game.
A former PGA Tour winner and one of the most respected short-game coaches in golf, Utley has worked with players at every level of the game and has earned recognition as one of the nation’s top instructors. During the clinic, he shared lessons with junior golfers on short-game fundamentals, putting, mental approach and the importance of continually working to improve both on and off the golf course.
Utley spent much of the session emphasizing the value of putting and short-game play, areas that have become synonymous with his coaching philosophy throughout his career. He also encouraged participants to embrace the learning process and maintain a growth mindset as they continue their development in the game.
For Utley, the opportunity to teach young golfers is rooted in the mentorship he received during his own journey in golf.
“My mentor Ken Lanning once told me that I was going to be a great player, but an even better coach,” Utley said.
That message has stayed with Utley throughout his career and continues to inspire his commitment to helping the next generation of golfers pursue their goals in the sport.
The approximately 20-minute clinic gave junior golfers the opportunity to learn directly from one of the game’s most respected instructors before taking to the course for competition. Following the session, participants were invited to meet Utley, ask questions and take photos with him before beginning their tournament rounds.
The Stan Utley Junior Tour serves as Missouri Golf’s premier junior golf program, providing competitive opportunities and developmental experiences for young golfers across the state. Events like the clinic at Tanglewood Golf Course help connect junior players with leaders in the game while reinforcing Missouri Golf’s commitment to growing the sport and developing future generations of golfers.
Missouri Golf would like to thank Stan Utley for sharing his time and expertise with the participants, as well as Tanglewood Golf Course for hosting the event and supporting junior golf in Missouri.
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About Missouri Golf
Missouri Golf is the official governing body for amateur golf in Missouri. Founded in 1903, Missouri Golf is dedicated to promoting and protecting the game of golf in Missouri through championship competitions, handicapping services, course rating, junior golf programs, and various educational initiatives. MO Golf serves thousands of golfers across the state and is committed to ensuring that golf remains accessible, enjoyable, and thriving for generations to come. For more information, visit mogolf.org.
