LOUISVILLE, KY (July 27, 2023) – With a final round score of 70, Justin Tereshko joins the Kentucky golf history books with his dominant win of the 104th Kentucky Open at Persimmon Ridge Golf Club. He becomes just the fourth person to win both the Kentucky Open and the Kentucky State Amateur in the same year. He takes home both the Jack Ryan Trophy and low amateur honors.

Despite a small batch of severe weather that pulled competitors in for over an hour, Tereshko's third under-par round of the tournament led him to a stellar 9-shot win. He lost two shots on the day with a bogey on 2 and 8, but countered with an eagle on 3 and birdies on 11 and 17. His rounds of 65-65-70 bring him to a 3-day total of 200, an outstanding score of 16 under par. His tournament statistics include two eagles and 15 birdies with nothing worse than a bogey over the three days. 

Though he stated after his round it can be "hard to sleep on a lead" and that he "did not relax until the 18th hole," his performance makes it clear the strategy he composed was successful. After reflecting on some of the more tucked pin placements today, he stated he felt comfortable "going for the green and two-putting from 30 feet" rather than attempting to attack the pin. In regards to becoming just the fourth person in Kentucky golf history to win two of the most prestigious state tournaments in the same year, he spoke on how honored he was to accomplish the feat and add his name to the list with Jodie Mudd, J.B. Holmes and Phil Hendrickson.

Though clearly a fantastic player in his own right, Tereshko is also a great coach. After his own college career at Transylvania University, he has gone on to coach across the country and currently serves as the head men's golf coach at Eastern Kentucky University. His coaching accolades include five conference championships and six NCAA Championship appearances throughout his career.

In addition to winning the Kentucky State Amateur and the Kentucky Open in the span of just five weeks, Tereshko also has another accolade in this stellar summer. Just two weeks ago, he qualified his way into the 123rd United States Amateur Championship at Cherry Hills after shooting 69-64-133 at Kenwood Country Club in Cincinnati. The tournament begins August 14th. 

Taking home the low professional honor is Dustin Denzik, whose rounds of 67-70-72 put him at -7 for the tournament. His impressive playing included 15 birdies over the course of the three days. The low KPGA professional title belongs to Tom Walters, Head Professional at Summit Hills Country Club in Crestview Hills. He totaled -5 for the tournament with rounds of 70-70-71.


NOTES & STATS

Click here to view the final results

Click here to view the day three photo gallery

The Kentucky PGA congratulates Justin Tereshko on his historic win and wishes him luck at the 2023 United States Amateur Championship. The KPGA also extends its thanks to Steve Shafer, PGA Director of Golf, and the entire staff at Persimmon Ridge Golf Club for their hosting of the championship. The Section sends its appreciation towards each of the players who competed in the tournament as well as their friends and family members who attended the competition throughout the week.

The 2024 Kentucky Open will be in a new location for the first time in three years, moving to the University of Louisville Golf Club.

About the Kentucky PGA:
The Kentucky PGA Section (KPGA) is one of forty-one Sections across the country representing the PGA of America and its Members. It is also one of three organizations encompassed within Golf House Kentucky, which also includes the Kentucky Golf Association (KGA) and Kentucky Golf Foundation (KGF). The KPGA contains more than 275 Members and more than 30 Associates working in various roles across Kentucky, all of whom share the goal of bettering the game and its players. The KPGA and its Members assist with the organization of many chief growth-of-the-game initiatives including PGA HOPE and PGA Jr. League. The Section also operates more than thirty tournaments throughout the golf season, including the three State Open championships and qualifiers for the Barbasol Championship.
 
Media Contact:
Abby Ligons | Golf House Kentucky | aligons@kygolf.org | (502) 792-9703