He turned professional in 1980 before regaining his amateur status in 1993.[2] He then had a successful amateur career which included winning the 2003 Minnesota State Open and a semi-final appearance in the 1997 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship. He turned professional again when he turned 50 in 2006 and tried to qualify for the Champions Tour.[3][4] He failed to win a place on the tour, but has played in a few tournaments, recording a best finish of tied for 26th at the 2008 3M Championship.
Despite not making onto the Champions Tour, Stansberry has had some success as a senior, including victories at the 2008 Colorado Senior Open and the 2009 Texas Senior Open.[5]