LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. – Oklahoma State’s Preston Stout became the second Cowboy to win the Mark H. McCormack Medal as the top-ranked player in the 2026 World Amateur Golf Ranking it was announced today.
Stout joins former Cowboy All-American Peter Uihlein (2010) as a recipient of the honor.
The McCormack Medal winner receives exemptions into the 2027 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links and The 155th Open at St. Andrews (Old Course), in Scotland.
“Being named the McCormack Medal winner is a tremendous honor, and one I'll never take for granted,” Stout said. “This recognition reflects not just my own work, but the support of everyone who has pushed me to get better along the way. It motivates me to keep raising my own bar and chasing what's next. I'm grateful to be included among the players who have earned this honor.”
The Richardson, Texas native rose to the top of the men’s ranking following a junior campaign that saw him amass five individual victories, including the NCAA Division I Individual Championship at Omni La Costa Resort, in Carlsbad, Calif.
Stout also won the 2026 Big 12 title, becoming the first-ever three-time champion in league history.
For his record-breaking season, Stout earned a myriad of national honors, including a first-team PING All-American selection for the second consecutive year, first-team All-American honors from Golfweek, Big 12 Player of the Year and first-team All-Big 12 honors, as well as being a finalist for the Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan and Fred Haskins Awards. He also represented the USA Team at the 2025 World Amateur Team Championships in Singapore.
He built upon his historic junior season at Oklahoma State with appearances in five professional events. Stout made the cut in two, namely a T-15 finish at the John Deere Classic in July. He appeared in the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills as well.
Before returning to Stillwater in the fall to chase Millers’ program record of 11 career wins, Stout will represent his country at the 2026 Walker Cup at Lahinch Golf Club, in the Republic of Ireland.
In 2025, he posted a 2-2 mark in the USA’s victory at Cypress Point, winning both of his singles matches.
In addition to his accomplishments this year, Stout put together a standout 2025 season, winning the Northeast Amateur, his second Big 12 title and advancing to the Round of 16 at the U.S. Amateur at The Olympic Club after earning medalist honors in stroke play.
“Preston has shown that he's a rising star in this game, and we're delighted to see him receive this honor and all that comes with it,” said USGA Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer. “Performing at such a high level so consistently speaks to the hard work and dedication Preston has brought to his craft as an elite amateur golfer. We're excited to watch his career continue to flourish in the years to come.”
The World Amateur Golf Ranking, which is supported by Rolex, was established in 2007 when the men’s ranking was launched. The men’s ranking encompasses more than 4,000 counting events, ranking over 5,000 players from 129 countries.
