Kevin Stadler, nicknamed “Smallrus,” has carved a unique path in professional golf despite the towering legacy of his father, 1982 Masters champion Craig Stadler. Known for his tenacity and distinctive putting style, Kevin’s career highlights include a PGA Tour victory, a historic Masters appearance alongside his father, and over $10 million in career earnings.
Below, we break down his personal life, career milestones, financial achievements, and more.
Kevin Stadler’s Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Kevin Stadler |
| Nickname | Smallrus |
| Born | February 5, 1980 (Age 45) |
| Birthplace | Reno, Nevada, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’10” |
| Weight | 250 lbs |
| College | University of Southern California (USC) |
| Turned Pro | 2002 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 million |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Residence | Scottsdale, Arizona |
Early Career
Kevin Stadler’s journey into professional golf began in Denver, Colorado, where he attended Kent Denver School and dominated junior circuits, earning recognition as a standout junior golfer.
His early success included winning the 1997 Doug Sanders Junior World Championship, a milestone that highlighted his potential. After high school, he joined the University of Southern California (USC), where he refined his skills on the collegiate circuit before turning pro in 2002. His professional breakthrough came swiftly.
In September 2002, Stadler clinched the Colorado Open, defeating veterans Gary Hallberg and Brian Kortan in a playoff—a victory that signaled his readiness for bigger stages. Just months later, he teamed up with his father, Craig Stadler, to win the Office Depot Father/Son Challenge, marking the first of many collaborative highlights with his Masters-winning dad.
By 2004, Kevin’s talent solidified on the Nationwide Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour), where he secured two wins—the Lake Erie Charity Classic and the EnviroSystems Classic. These victories propelled him to 13th on the money list, earning his 2005 PGA Tour card. However, his rookie PGA season proved challenging; he struggled with consistency, finishing 168th in earnings and losing his Tour status.
Undeterred, Kevin rebounded in 2006 with a pivotal win at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Australia, a European Tour co-sanctioned event. This triumph granted him access to prestigious international tours but created a dilemma: pursue lucrative European events or grind on the Nationwide Tour to reclaim his PGA Tour card.
Choosing the latter, he won twice more on the Nationwide circuit that year, securing 12th place on the money list and reinstating his PGA Tour eligibility for 2007. This period underscored his resilience, blending strategic career choices with gritty performances to rebuild his path to golf’s top tier.
Professional Career
Kevin Stadler’s professional career is a rollercoaster of perseverance, marked by breakthrough wins, injury battles, and unforgettable moments. After reclaiming his PGA Tour card in 2007, he faced an uphill climb, often grinding through smaller events to secure his footing.
While his initial seasons were inconsistent, flashes of brilliance emerged—like his near-win at the 2009 Wyndham Championship, where he lost in a playoff to Ryan Moore. This performance hinted at his potential, but consistency remained elusive. The turning point came in 2014 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Stadler, then 34, entered the final round tied with Bubba Watson and emerged victorious by one stroke, carding a -16 total.
This win wasn’t just a personal triumph; it earned him a spot at the Masters, where he and his father Craig became the first father-son duo to compete at Augusta National together. Kevin’s T8 finish there stood as his best major performance, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure. However, momentum stalled abruptly in 2015.
A lingering hand injury, initially dismissed as a minor strain, worsened during the Farmers Insurance Open, forcing him to withdraw mid-tournament. Diagnosed with a broken bone and tendon damage, he underwent surgery and faced a grueling 18-month recovery. Attempts to return in 2016–2017 were plagued by setbacks, including missed cuts and loss of Tour status.
By 2018, he shifted focus to the European Challenge Tour, seeking a fresh start, but managed only sporadic top-25 finishes. Undeterred, Stadler attempted a Korn Ferry Tour comeback in 2024, accepting sponsor exemptions and Monday qualifiers. Sadly, age and lingering physical issues took their toll—he missed 10 of 14 cuts, with a lone paycheck of $4,110 at the Price Cutter Charity Championship.
Despite this, his grit resonated with fans, especially during a nostalgic return to the WM Phoenix Open, where he received a standing ovation. Statistically, Stadler’s career is defined by adaptability. Though not a long driver (averaging 280 yards off the tee at his peak), his scrambling ability (62.5% success rate in 2014) and clutch putting often saved rounds.
Over 307 professional starts, he amassed 10 wins worldwide, including the 2006 Johnnie Walker Classic and two European Challenge Tour titles. His $10.3 million in earnings reflect both peak performances and the financial reality of a career interrupted by injury.
Kevin Stadler’s Net Worth Details
Kevin Stadler’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 2003–2004 | $49,541 | Nationwide Tour debut |
| 2005–2006 | $75,973 | Johnnie Walker Classic win (European Tour) |
| 2007–2008 | $598,945 | Full PGA Tour season; 15 cuts made |
| 2009–2010 | $931,720 | Runner-up at Wyndham Championship |
| 2013–2014 | $2,300,307 | Peak year: Phoenix Open win, Masters T8 finish |
| 2010–2011 | $768,172 | Top-10 finish at Greenbrier Classic |
| 2011–2012 | $1,546,036 | 18 cuts made across 25 events |
| 2012–2013 | $1,281,177 | 17 cuts made; consistent mid-tier finishes |
| 2020–2024 | $40,146 | Korn Ferry Tour struggles; 3 cuts made in 35 starts |
| Total | $9,738,342 | 307 tournaments played; 10 worldwide wins |
Endorsements
Kevin Stadler’s endorsement portfolio has centered around golf equipment brands, reflecting his technical expertise and family legacy. Early in his career, he partnered with Srixon for clubs and balls, later adding Fidra for apparel. His bag often featured a mix of brands, including Adams Golf hybrids and a Callaway 4-wood, showcasing his preference for versatility over brand exclusivity.
Though specific financial terms remain undisclosed, these deals capitalized on his “Smallrus” nickname and underdog appeal. Post-2014 injuries diminished his marketability, but a 2024 sponsor exemption from the WM Phoenix Open highlighted lingering industry respect.
Career Stats
| Category | Stats |
| Career Wins | 9 (1 PGA Tour, 1 European Tour, 4 Nationwide Tour, 3 Challenge Tour) |
| PGA Tour Wins | 1 (2014 Waste Management Phoenix Open) |
| European Tour Wins | 1 (2006 Johnnie Walker Classic) |
| Major Championship Best | T8 (2014 Masters) |
| Career Earnings | $9.6 million (official prize money) |
| Events Played | 307 |
| Cuts Made | 149 (48.5% made-cut rate) |
| Top-10 Finishes | 22 |
| Scoring Average (Peak) | 70.5 (2013–2014 season) |
| Driving Distance | 280.1 yards (2014 average) |
| Greens in Regulation | 65.3% (2014) |
| Putting Average | 1.73 putts per GIR (2014) |
FAQs
1. What is Kevin Stadler’s net worth?
Kevin Stadler’s net worth is estimated at $10 million, primarily from $9.7 million in career earnings and limited endorsements. His peak earnings came in 2013–2014, including a $1.16 million payout for winning the Phoenix Open. Despite injury setbacks post-2015, his historic achievements sustain his financial standing.
2. How many PGA Tour wins does Kevin Stadler have?
Stadler has one PGA Tour victory: the 2014 Waste Management Phoenix Open. He defeated Bubba Watson by one stroke, securing his Masters invitation. His other nine wins include the 2006 Johnnie Walker Classic (European Tour) and four Korn Ferry Tour titles.
3. Did Kevin Stadler play in the Masters with his father?
Yes, Kevin and Craig Stadler became the first father-son duo to compete in the same Masters in 2014. Kevin finished T8, while Craig missed the cut. They were not paired together, as Kevin preferred to avoid being a “sideshow” during the tournament.
4. What injuries affected Kevin Stadler’s career?
A broken bone and tendon damage in his left hand during the 2015 Farmers Insurance Open sidelined him for 18 months. Subsequent comebacks on the Korn Ferry Tour (2020–2024) were hampered by lingering physical issues, resulting in missed cuts and diminished performance.
5. Why is Kevin Stadler nicknamed “Smallrus”?
The nickname “Smallrus” references his father Craig’s moniker, “The Walrus,” earned for his mustache and physique. Kevin inherited Craig’s stocky build but stands shorter at 5’10”, leading to the playful comparison.
6. What college did Kevin Stadler attend?
Stadler played collegiate golf at the University of Southern California (USC) after dominating junior tournaments at Kent Denver School. He turned pro in 2002, winning the Colorado Open months later.
7. What was unique about Kevin Stadler’s putting style?
He used an anchored putter until it was banned in 2016. In preparation, he switched to left-handed putting. This technique contributed to his scrambling success, including a 62.5% scrambling rate during his 2014 PGA Tour season.
8. How did Kevin Stadler perform in the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour?
He missed 10 of 14 cuts in 2024, earning only $7,955. His sole paycheck came from a T58 finish at the Price Cutter Charity Championship. At 45, age and injuries hindered his consistency.
9. What brands has Kevin Stadler endorsed?
Stadler partnered with Srixon for clubs, Fidra for apparel, and used Adams Golf hybrids early in his career. Post-injuries, endorsements dwindled, though he received a 2024 WM Phoenix Open sponsor exemption.
10. What is Kevin Stadler’s legacy in golf?
He’s known for resilience, overcoming his father’s shadow and injuries to secure 10 worldwide wins. His 2014 Masters T8 and Phoenix Open victory highlight a career blending underdog grit with historic milestones. He now mentors junior golfers, emphasizing perseverance over titles.
