Paul Stankowski Bio
Paul Francis Stankowski (born December 2, 1969) is an American professional golfer who currently plays on the PGA Tour Champions. He previously played on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he won one event, and the PGA Tour, where he was a two-time champion. Over a career that began in 1991, Stankowski became known for a brief but memorable stretch of winning form in the mid-1990s, followed by a long run of steady play on the PGA Tour.
Beyond his playing career, Stankowski has pursued business and broadcasting interests, including co-owning a leather goods company and working in radio. He lives in Flower Mound, Texas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with his family.
Early Life and Background
Stankowski was born in Oxnard, California, on December 2, 1969. He first played golf on Easter Sunday in 1978 at the age of eight, the start of what would become a lifelong association with the sport. Growing up in California gave him early access to year-round golf, and he developed his game through junior play before pursuing college competition.
He attended the University of Texas at El Paso, where he continued to develop as a golfer. His time at UTEP helped prepare him for the professional ranks, and he turned professional in 1991 at the age of 21.
Path to Professional Golf
After turning professional in 1991, Stankowski began his career on the Nike Tour, which served as the main developmental circuit for aspiring PGA Tour players. He spent his early professional years learning to compete at a high level, adjusting to the demands of tournament golf, and building the consistency required to advance.
His first and only victory on the Nike Tour came at the 1996 Nike Louisiana Open. The win was an important step in his development, confirming that he had the game to compete for titles. The following week, he received an opportunity on the PGA Tour at the BellSouth Classic, where he arrived as the sixth alternate and went on to win the tournament. That back-to-back feat made him the only golfer in history to win a developmental tour event and a PGA Tour event in consecutive weeks, a defining early moment in his career.
Paul Stankowski Career
Early Career (1991–1995)
Stankowski turned professional in 1991 and spent his first several seasons competing on the Nike Tour. The developmental circuit was a proving ground where he sharpened his game, gained tournament experience, and worked toward earning a spot in PGA Tour events.
During this period he made occasional appearances on the PGA Tour, gradually building the resume that would eventually lead to a breakthrough win. The 1996 season would mark the transition from prospect to proven winner.
PGA Tour Breakthrough (1996–1997)
Stankowski’s PGA Tour breakthrough came at the 1996 BellSouth Classic, where he arrived as the sixth alternate and went on to win. The victory, coming one week after his Nike Louisiana Open title, made him the only golfer in history to win a developmental tour event and a PGA Tour event in back-to-back weeks.
He had another strong year in 1997, winning the United Airlines Hawaiian Open for his second PGA Tour title. That same season, he produced his best finish in a major championship, a T5 at the 1997 Masters Tournament, which cemented his reputation as a player capable of contending at the highest level.
Later PGA Tour Years (1998–2017)
After 1997, Stankowski’s results were affected by a series of injury-related setbacks. In 1998, he injured his right shoulder at the Bay Hill Invitational and also underwent LASIK surgery. As a Callaway-sponsored player in 1999, he famously tried to help his game by sneaking Ping clubs into his bag at the Colonial.
In 2004, he suffered a major injury to his left wrist and played the next two seasons under a Major Medical Extension. Despite the injuries, he made over 400 starts on the PGA Tour, demonstrating durability and consistency. Towards the end of his PGA Tour career, his desire to be closer to his family led him to focus on entrepreneurship and radio broadcasting. He is the co-owner of Francis Edward, a leather goods company whose name combines the middle names of Stankowski and co-founder Mike Vicary.
PGA Tour Champions Era (2022–Present)
In 2018 and 2019, Stankowski used an age-based exemption to play six events on the Korn Ferry Tour, though he did not make the cut in any of them. In December 2021, he finished high enough at the PGA Tour Champions Qualifying School to earn eligibility to compete in open qualifiers for PGA Tour Champions events in 2022, beginning a new chapter in his professional career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Stankowski’s signature career achievement remains winning the 1996 BellSouth Classic as the sixth alternate, one week after winning on the Nike Tour, a feat unmatched in professional golf. His T5 at the 1997 Masters Tournament stands as his best major-championship finish, and his two PGA Tour titles, the 1996 BellSouth Classic and the 1997 United Airlines Hawaiian Open, bookend the most successful stretch of his career. He also made over 400 starts on the PGA Tour across his career.
Paul Stankowski Career Wins
Stankowski has compiled eight professional wins across multiple tours. His two PGA Tour victories came in 1996 and 1997, the most successful span of his career, while additional wins came on developmental circuits in the United States and Japan.
PGA Tour Highlights
Stankowski won twice on the PGA Tour. His first came at the 1996 BellSouth Classic, a week after his Nike Louisiana Open triumph, making him the only player to win on both a developmental tour and the PGA Tour in back-to-back weeks. His second title came at the 1997 United Airlines Hawaiian Open, completing a remarkable two-year run. He went 2-0 in PGA Tour playoffs across his career.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his PGA Tour titles, Stankowski recorded one win on the Nike Tour at the 1996 Louisiana Open, one win on the Gateway Tour, and one win on the PGA of Japan Tour, where he posted a 1-0 playoff record. His best major-championship finish was a T5 at the 1997 Masters Tournament.
Paul Stankowski Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Stankowski was born and raised in Oxnard, California, before attending the University of Texas at El Paso and launching his professional career. He is married and has two children, and he has prioritized family in his later career decisions, including relocating to the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Personal Life
Stankowski lives in Flower Mound, Texas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with his wife and two children. He is active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and sponsored the annual Paul Stankowski FCA Golf Scramble in El Paso for a time. Outside of golf, he co-owns Francis Edward, a leather goods company, and has worked in radio broadcasting.
2025 Season Performance
Stankowski continues to compete on the PGA Tour Champions in 2025, following his qualification through the PGA Tour Champions Q-School in December 2021. The 2025 season represents his continued presence on the senior circuit, where he regularly enters open qualifiers for PGA Tour Champions events.
As a veteran competitor, Stankowski brings decades of professional experience to the PGA Tour Champions field, including his two PGA Tour titles and his history of contending in major championships. His ongoing involvement in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and his business interests in the Dallas-Fort Worth area continue to complement his playing career.
Looking ahead, Stankowski remains an active presence on the senior circuit, balancing tournament play with his entrepreneurial and broadcasting pursuits.