The Monster of Midway

SCOTTSVILLE-

The Chicago Bears were affectionately known as the Monsters of the Midway during the 1930’s and 40’s winning 6 championships in a 14 year span. Eli Stamper is the Monster of Midway University’s Men’s Golf Team.  Stamper was a 2nd team all conference performer as a freshman and his future looks so bright that he has to wear shades everywhere he goes.  However, he didn’t need his shades this past weekend at the 63rd Annual Scottsville Invitational Tournament.  Rain was in the forecast.  

Stamper was the Medalist on Saturday after firing a 58.  He held a 3 stroke lead going into Sunday.  Phenomenal golfers like James Broughton, Tyler Ford, Justin Spears and Barton Rutledge all had Stamper in their crosshairs and were going to stop at nothing to make a hard charge on Sunday.  This isn’t the first time Stamper has had a target on his back when Sunday rolled around.  Stamper held the lead in 2025, but a championship simply wasn’t in the cards.  2026 was different.  

Stamper shot a 2-day total of 121 with a 58-63.  Impressive and good enough to capture “The Doc” championship.  We spoke with Eli after Sunday’s final round.  

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Public Spring:

“Thanks for taking some time with us Eli and congratulations on winning the championship.  The conditions on Saturday morning weren’t ideal, yet you fired a 58 as the Medalist.  Take us through your process of preparing for those wet and rainy conditions.”

Stamper:

“Preparing for the rain is always a challenge. I was ready for a full day of rain and a very different course than I am used to. Knowing that in the rain scores aren’t as usually as good I was just going to take it one shot at a time and being okay with different results. We did get lucky with it holding off for a majority of the day and I was able to use that and put in a good number.”

Public Spring:

“Eli, you had a 3 shot lead heading into the final round Sunday.  Describe to us your mental approach knowing that some phenomenal golfers were gunning for you with that huge target on your back as Saturday’s Medalist.”

Stamper:

“I learned a lot from last year when I had a two shot lead. Just really not thinking about what number I needed but more of being prepared for another new day of golf. Really focusing on what I was doing and not worrying about the things I couldn’t control.”

Public Spring:

“Eli, from your heart, what does winning The Doc mean to you?”

Stamper:

“Winning the Doc is very special to me because for one it is my home course. Being up there my entire life, from watching golf matches to playing up there everyday, it is always awesome to win where you grew up. Another reason is the history and the people that have held the title in the past. Knowing that my name is with the legend of Kenny Perry, and more importantly with my older brother Owen is beyond special to be able to be mentioned with those two, and the many more that have won this tournament.”

Eli’s father, Scott Stamper (also the course superintendent) has been the ACS Boys Golf coach for decades.  It’s a family tradition.  Owen is a professional golfer & champion, Eli is a Monster at Midway University & a champion.  Don’t look now, but their younger brother Simon fired a 74 on Saturday and participated in the 1st flight this weekend as a rising ACS Freshman.  A future champion?  I wouldn’t bet against it.  

The 63rd Annual Scottsville Invitational Tournament, also affectionately known as “The Doc” is forever “Stamped” into our memory.  I’m sure Dr. John Hall was smiling down Sunday evening with pride & joy.

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