Born: December 2, 1969 in Oxnard, CA
1987: Hueneme High School
University of Texas at El Paso
Teeing up for the first round of the 1996 Nike Louisiana Open, Oxnard native Paul Stankowski wasn’t exactly an unknown golfer. A three-time All-American at the University of Texas at El Paso, Stankowski had recorded four top 10 finishes in two previous seasons on the PGA Tour.
The next three weeks would be a whirlwind for him.
Not only did he win the title in Louisiana, Stankowski followed up the next week with a victory BellSouth Classic on the PGA Tour becoming the first golfer win a “web.com” tour title and PGA event in successive weeks.
As a bonus, Stankowski became the final qualifier for the 1996 Masters tournament. After missing the cut, not knowing if he’d ever make return to Augusta, Stankowski stopped at the practice green on his way out of the club and scooped up some sand from a practice bunker. It now sits in a commemorative glass in his trophy case along with the ball he used to birdie the last hole.
However, that would not be the end to his incredible year. Stankowski recorded two world-wide wins at the Casio World Open in Japan and Lincoln Mercury Kapalua International.
Stankowski’s final PGA title came at the 1997 United Airlines Hawaiian Open. Injuries to his right shoulder and left wrist curtailed his career, which saw him earn $7.4 million in 402 PGA events. He had 88 top-25 finishes, including 30 in the top 10.
Before he began collecting paychecks, Stankowski had a successful amateur career. Among the highlights are two Junior World top five finishes, a Channel League individual title while at Hueneme High School, and helping UTEP to second- and ninth-place finishes at the 1988 and 1991 NCAA golf finals. In 1990, he won the WAC individual title, captured the Oxnard City Championship and became the youngest golfer (19) to win the Southern California Golf Championships.
Stankowski has had a long involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and College Golf Fellowship, once supporting an annual fundraiser for FCA in ElPaso and numerous CGF retreats at his home in Texas.
He and his wife Regina have two children, Joshua and Katelyn, and reside in Flower Mound, Texas.