Feb. 9, 2005

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Former Mizzou All-American Stan Utley, a PGA Tour veteran and one of the foremost teachers of the game, has agreed to join his alma mater's men's golf program as a volunteer assistant, Head Coach Mark Leroux announced today.

Utley was a three-time All-Big Eight Conference selection and twice earned All-America honors before graduating from MU in 1984. He turned professional that year and joined the PGA Tour in 1988, and earned his first Tour title in 1989 at the Chattanooga Classic. He also has three Nationwide Tour wins to his credit.

Regarded as one of the best short-game players on Tour, Utley broke a 50-year-old PGA Tour record at the 2002 Air Canada Championships when he recorded just six putts over a nine-hole stretch. He continues to pass along his knowledge to fellow PGA Tour professionals through individual instruction, and is a member of Golf Digest's professional advisors.

"It would be safe to say that among tour professionals, Stan Utley is the biggest thing going in instruction right now, so we're fortunate to have him help out," Leroux said. "He's proud to be an alum of this university, and is excited about doing whatever he can to make our program better."

While he maintains his home in Scottsdale, Ariz., with his wife, Elayna, and children Tatum and Jake, Utley continues to contribute to the Mid-Missouri community with his annual "Go For the Gold" skins game to benefit Rainbow House.