Pat Stephens Men's Golf Coach

 Stephens, a former player at Eastern and later an assistant professional at Arlington Golf Course, assumed the coaching reins for the 1997-98 season, as well as head professional duties at Arlington.  He was previously the head professional at Gibson Bay Golf Course for four years prior to coming to Eastern.

 “Coaching is something I have always wanted to do,” commented Stephens.  “I came in with no pre-conceived notions of the team or the operation at Eastern.  I am glad to get back into the college game.”

 Stephens, 39, is a lifelong resident of Richmond, having played  for Madison Central High School, the University of Kentucky and Eastern.  Stephens was named a high school All American in 1978 after winning 12 tournaments throughout his scholastic career.  He then played two years at the University of Kentucky before transferring to EKU.  After sitting out a year, he made an immediate impact on the team as well as the conference, winning the Ohio Valley Conference title his first season (1982).  He finished second in the OVC the following year, but both seasons saw the Colonels take OVC championships.  Those seasons were the first two titles in a run of five consecutive OVC crowns for EKU.

 Stephens played on several mini tours throughout the South and has also qualified for major competitions.  His accomplishments include qualifying for the 1988 U.S. Open, being named 1996 Kentucky PGA Player of the Year and three times finishing as runnerup in the Kentucky Open (’78, ’83, ’95).  He was also named to the OVC's 40th Anniversary All Time Golf Team.

 Stephens spent 1989-92 as the assistant professional at Arlington prior to his stint at Gibson Bay.  While at GBGC, he was named the 1996 Kentucky PGA Merchandiser of the Year for public courses.

 Pat is married to the former Joni Marionneaux of Richmond and they have three children: Daniel (18), Ben (16) and Joseph (7).  Joni is head coach of the EKU women's golf team.