Springfield Standard

Missouri State University has announced the addition of Italian golfer Francesco Petrangeli to its men's golf team. Coach Neal Stafford confirmed that Petrangeli, currently attending Liceo Cannizzaro High School in Rome, will join the Bears for the 2026-27 academic year.

Petrangeli brings a strong record from junior golf in Italy. He qualified for the British Boys' Amateur last summer and finished third at the Italian National Under-18 Team Championship. He was also named Elite Player of the Italian Under-18 National Team and secured ninth place at the Italian Boys National Championship. Over the past year, he achieved eight top-10 finishes with a scoring average of 71.17. In the previous season, he won the Rome City Tournament and was runner-up at the Inter-Regional Under-18 Match Play, earning 14 top-10 placements overall. His highest ranking in the World Amateur Golf Rankings is 1009th.

Coach Stafford expressed enthusiasm about Petrangeli's commitment: "I'm very excited that Francesco chose Missouri State! We really connected in the recruiting process and he brings an impressive international resume to the program," said Stafford. "He is very focused on being a champion with his studies and his playing career. He will be a great asset as we get back to national prominence inside Conference USA!"

The Missouri State Bears recently concluded their fall season with a fourth-place finish at their home event, the Missouri State Intercollegiate. The team will start its spring schedule at the Loyola Intercollegiate in Goodyear, Arizona, from February 16 to 18.