At just 10 years old, Stanford Gilmore Jr. is already building a name for himself in junior golf circles across California. The Elk Grove native has combined talent, discipline, and determination to become one of Northern California’s rising young golfers, earning championships, national tournament appearances, and the admiration of coaches and supporters throughout the region.
Standing 4-foot-11 and weighing 81 pounds, Stanford balances life as an honor student at Helen Carr Castello Elementary School with a demanding golf schedule that includes practices, tournaments, and travel competitions. Despite his growing success, he remains grounded in the things he loves most — family, school, friends, and the parks around his hometown. As the child of an African American father and Hmong mother, Stanford grew up with two rich cultural heritages, blending different traditions, languages, and family values into one unique identity.
“I like my school, my teachers and friends,” Stanford said. “I like all the parks around so I can play.”
Golf entered Stanford’s life almost by accident. At just 2 years old, he watched his father putting in the garage and asked if he could try. Stanford sank his very first putt, sparking what would become a remarkable journey. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when youth baseball shut down, golf became the one sport still available. His father began taking him to local 9-hole courses, where Stanford used oversized adult clubs before eventually receiving his own set of Tiger Woods youth clubs from a family friend.
“That made me so happy,” Stanford recalled. “We went to the golf course right away.”
Soon, the young golfer became consumed by the game. He practiced constantly, watched the Netflix documentary The Short Game, and dreamed of one day competing at the prestigious USKids World Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina. By age five, he had made a life-changing decision.
“I had the choice to go back to baseball or golf and I chose golf,” he said. “I wanted to become the best I could be and rely on myself.”
Stanford’s talent quickly caught the attention of local golf leaders. While attending the Kings and Queens Rise Golf summer program, he was recruited into the One Swing Golf Academy, becoming the youngest player selected from a group of 25 participants. That same summer, he visited Pebble Beach Golf Links for the first time — an experience that remains one of his favorite golf memories.
His dedication has produced impressive results. Stanford owns more than 80 trophies and medals, including 50 first-place finishes. He has captured six USKids Sacramento Local Tour championships between 2021 and 2026, won consecutive Player of the Year honors from the Junior Golf Association of Northern California, and earned championships on The Junior Tour Powered by Under Armour Sacramento/Bay Area circuit.
One of the defining moments of his young career came when he qualified twice for the USKids World Championship in North Carolina. The achievement required not only elite play but also financial support from organizations and community members who believed in his future.
“I got to represent Sacramento, California,” Stanford said proudly. “It was the best experience ever.”
Stanford credits much of his development to his coaches and support system. His first instructor was Patrick Crouch at Bing Maloney Golf Course, which remains his home course today. He also trains with professional golfer Willie Toney, who serves as general manager at the facility.
Off the course, Stanford continues to thrive academically while remaining active in multiple sports and activities. He says he enjoys anything challenging, whether indoors or outdoors, and values spending time with his family and friends. Though his siblings do not play golf, he admires their academic accomplishments and looks up to them.
His favorite clubs include his Cobra driver, Ping putter, and 56-degree wedge, tools that help shape the versatile game he continues to refine. His biggest challenge now is gaining access to more regional, national, and world-level competitions — opportunities that require funding and sponsorship support.
Still, Stanford remains grateful for every organization and individual who has helped him along the way, including First Tee of Greater Sacramento, Sacramento Golf Council, Sacramento Area Black Golf Club, and Youth on Course.
Already a champion and role model at a young age, Stanford Gilmore Jr. continues to dream big. With his work ethic, competitive spirit, and passion for the game, his future in golf appears exceptionally bright.
