Offering an unmatched experience for student-athletes in one of the world’s most iconic golf destinations.

Located in the heart of Pebble Beach, Stevenson offers year-round access to championship courses, elite coaching and a competitive schedule, the program builds technical skill, mental toughness and sportsmanship. Set against California’s stunning coastline, Stevenson is a gateway to excellence.

Meet the Coach

Justin Bates ‘99 has been coaching the Stevenson boys golf program since the spring of 2015. Under his leadership, Stevenson golf has become an established dynasty with double-digit league titles.

Justin’s teams have exemplified the values of Stevenson athletics, focusing on sportsmanship, collaboration and school ambassadorship, while using the traditions and rules of golf to create young men who represent themselves well in all facets of life. Over his long run as head coach, the program has sent numerous golfers on to compete at the collegiate and professional levels.

Justin Bates ‘99 took over the reins of the perennial league champion Stevenson boys golf program in the spring of 2015. During his long Stevenson tenure he has also coached varsity boys soccer and currently assists in the boys and girls cross country program. Justin is an alum of Stevenson and also teaches AP U.S. History and Economics at Stevenson.

No other Pirate sport has equaled the success of the boys golf program. With double digit league titles and counting, Stevenson golf is an established dynasty. During his time with the program, the Pirates have appeared in five state tournaments, winning the title in 2013. They have won six CCS section championships with the last coming in 2019. In the 2019 season, Justin was named the CCS Coach of the Year. As the boys varsity soccer coach for nine seasons, Justin guided the program to two CCS playoff appearances, including one trip to the CCS semifinal round of play.

Justin graduated with a BA in History from the University of California Berkeley in 2003, and he earned his juris doctorate in law from Santa Clara University in 2007 before beginning his teaching career at Stevenson.

Justin Bates
boys golf

Championship Success

Team Awards: State Champions: 2025, 2013; Section Titles: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2019, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1994, 1991, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1981; NorCal: 2024, 2000, 1999, 1991, 1989, 1988, 1981; League Championships: 36.

CSS Individual Champions: 2024 & 2023, Luke Brandler; 2011, Michael Decker; 2009, Scott Riley; 1999, Lance Torrey; 1996, Andy Hunter; 1994, Scott Wang; 1990, Dennis Hillman; 1988, Christian Caever; 1987, Christian Caever.

Coaches Awards: 2022-2023 CCS Honor Coach, Justin Bates ’99.

Collegiate Excellence: Stevenson boys golf alumni have gone on to compete at top collegiate programs, including Stanford and Duke, demonstrating the strength of the program and its ability to prepare athletes for success at the collegiate level and beyond.

  • Luke Brandler, 2025 – Princeton
  • Josh Chadha, 2025 – Lehigh
  • Marc Sasetia, 2025 – Bentley University
  • Adam Rohizam, 2024 – Missouri Science and Technology
  • Curtis Da Silva, 2023 – Pepperdine, UC Davis
  • Alex Iniakov, 2021 – Oglethorpe College
  • Robert You, 2020 – Yale
  • Martin Gutierrez, 2019 – Cornell University
  • Michael Decker, 2013 – Vanderbilt University
  • Drew Nelson, 2013 – Dominican University, Durham University
  • Skyler Finnell, 2012 – University of San Diego
  • Scott Riley, 2012 – University of Idaho
  • Jam Vilairatana, 2009 – Purdue
  • Chad Vivolo, 2009 – UC Berkeley
  • Peter Ireland, 2007 – University of Arizona
  • Chad Vivolo, 2006 – UC Berkeley
  • Jason Gilbert, 2004 – Fresno State, American River College
  • Robert Grube, 2004 – Stanford
  • Kyle Gentry, 2002 – Stanford
  • William Jackson, 2002 – Air Force Academy
  • Nathaniel Smith, 2002 – Duke University
  • David Morgan, 1999 – University of Minnesota
  • Stephen Sparolini, 1999 – Southern Methodist University
  • Oliver Rosen, 1998 – Southern Methodist University
  • Scott Nystrom, 1991 – Princeton
  • Fred Chieux, 1989 – Arizona
  • Christian Cevaer, 1988 – Stanford
  • Robert Clampett, 1978 – Brigham Young University
  • Robert Badke, 1977 – University of San Diego
  • Don Dormer, 1971 – Santa Clara University
  • Bryan Hillstrom, 1969 – UC Davis
  • Lee Danielson, 1966 – Miami, Linfield

Training Advantage

At Stevenson, golf is a high-performance program within an athletic department that champions multi-sport participation—many of our golfers also compete in other sports, and our calendar is built to make that possible. We contend for state titles annually, and roster spots, travel squads, and lineup positions are earned through performance and accountability; it’s a true meritocracy.

Our athletes have access to train year-round, taking full advantage of our Pebble Beach location with access to world-class venues like Spyglass Hill and Poppy Hills, the Pebble Beach Golf Academy, and exclusive access to the training facility at Bayonet & Black Horse. Coaching emphasizes course strategy, practice discipline, competitive readiness, and mental performance.

In season, practices are purposeful and competition-focused; out of season, training is flexible to complement other team commitments while maintaining high standards. The program centers on consistent practice, competitive play, and personal development—supported by top-tier facilities and a culture of excellence on and off the course.

Whether you’re targeting college golf or eager to grow within a competitive team environment, Stevenson Golf provides the pathway.

Become a Pirate

Are you a driven student-athlete with a passion for your sport? Inquire and learn more about how you can become a part of Stevenson’s legacy of success.