Stanford Gilmore Jr is a 10-yr old 5th grade student athlete from Elk Grove, Ca. He goes to Helen Carr Castello Elementary school. He has been dominating golf tournaments here in Sacramento and surrounding areas since he was 6 years old.
He started taking interest in golf at the age of 4 during Covid when he couldn’t play baseball anymore. At the age of 5, we were introduced into a 5 week summer golf program for kids. It was called Kings & Queens Golf. He was so excited about joining a group to learn more about golf. He could not wait till the day. After every session, he would stay at the driving range and just hit balls till he runs out. Usually till the sun goes down. He was the only child out of 25 kids ranging from 5 to 18 yrs old who got recruited into a golf academy because of his natural swing and determination. He learned that he can start competing in tournaments at the age of 6, and his birthday couldn’t come soon enough.
The moment he turned 6, he was signed up for every tournament we could find. He won his first medal with US Kids, in his very first appearance. That was it for him. He kept practicing and competing, striving to be the best he can be. He has competed in over 100 tournaments in the short 4 years with USKids, The First Tee of Sacramento, Junior Golf Association of Northern California(JGANC) tournaments, and The Tour Sacramento Powered by Under Armour. Taking in over 60 first place medals and trophies, with over 90 accolades in all. He was recognized as Player of the Year back to back with JGANC 2024 and 2025. He was honored by Sacramento Juneteenth Inc as Sacramento’s own Future Black Golf Legend 2024. Stanford has won 6 local championships for US Kids Sacramento Tour. He has been invited to Worlds, three years straight. He has won championships and qualified for Nationals for Under Armour three times. Stanford was also featured in African American Golfer’s Digest 2026.
Stanford has numerous volunteer hours with First Tee of Sacramento. Stanford has also started a non profit organization called MoreGolf Academy which gives kids who cannot afford golf clubs free golf clubs. That’s something Stanford had experienced personally in his golf journey. Golf shoes will be one of the main items Stanford hopes to add on for the kids. Africa is one of our focus to send them to.
He has played with PGA Head Professionals such as Willie Toney from Bing Maloney Golf Course. His guidance is immeasurable. Stanford has also worked with Coach Patrick Crouch. Bing Maloney is Stanford’s home course.
His goal is to be a Tour Professional one day and play amongst all the other great golfers. His inspiration has always been Tiger Woods.
Leave A Comment