Preston Stout

Tiger Woods appeared on The Mike Douglas Show at age 2, putting with Bob Hope. He shot 48 for nine holes at age three and was featured in Golf Digest at age five. Rory McIlroy started golfing at age 7. Preston Stout, on the other hand, grew up playing baseball, football, soccer and basketball. But in the summer after fifth grade, his parents enrolled him in a golf and tennis camp at Canyon Creek Country Club in Richardson. He fell in love with golf and, within a few months, played in his first tournament. Fast-forward just seven years and Preston Stout is now ranked #1 in the state of Texas on Golfweek and #4 on the AJGA Junior Golf Scoreboard.

At eleven years old, Stout knew that golf was going to be a long-term passion: “The challenge and pressure was something I loved and quickly found very addicting.” From a young age, his dad taught Stout the value of a solid work ethic and the importance of passion and dedication. Stout credits his work ethic for setting him apart from other players his age. He states, “I love practicing and the satisfaction that it gives me after a long day of grinding on the golf course. I think a lot of kids get bored or distracted while practicing and that is something that has never been an issue for me.”

Stout tries to emulate what he sees in successful pro golfers, noting that “All successful tour pros have very strong mental toughness and grit when competing. I believe I have this same mindset when on the golf course.” During his high school years, Stout typically practiced for two to three hours every day after school. That practice schedule changed, in between traveling to tournaments, to six to seven hours a day during the summertime. And in a fortuitous twist of fate, the pandemic provided Stout the chance to “live on the golf course, thanks to online school and limited class time.” He credits that time with improving his game significantly and catapulting him to success.

JJ Pearce golf coach Steven Buchanan was Stout’s mentor and coach for four years. When asked to explain what he thinks makes Stout so special, he replies, “Preston brings a level of competitiveness to every event that makes him unique. Because golf is an individual sport, many players have a hard time learning what it means to compete. Preston played many sports growing up and I feel like he has transferred traits and qualities that he acquired from those sports into his overall golf game.” He continues, “He doesn’t just want to win the event; he wants to win leaving no doubt who the best player was. Selfishly, I have enjoyed knowing that, wherever we show up to play, I have the best player in the field.”

Stout recently graduated from JJ Pearce High School and heads to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK, this fall. This summer, he will transition from junior golf to amateur golf. In between tournaments and practice, Stout plans to soak in as much time on the lake fishing and hanging out with his buddies and family as he can. He also plans to be at the beach as much as possible. Just a few weeks ago, Stout received the prestigious Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Award, which “recognizes the achievements of junior golfers around the world who distinguish themselves with a high level of junior tournament play as well as excellence in academics, exceptional character and a commitment to community service.” When asked to reflect on his successes to date, Stout says, “God has definitely been the most influential thing in my life the past year. I have come to understand that I’m not just playing golf for myself or my family but playing to glorify God. He is the reason I have been blessed with the opportunities I have received today.” Stout’s mantra for living is “Never give up on your dreams.” He states, “I believe to get where you want to be in life, you will be tested and put through adversity. You have to overcome these challenges to be successful.” We’re rooting for you, Preston. You’re on your way.

Preston and Mrs. Byron Nelson