Overall Round One Leader: Justin Tereshko (a) of Lexington, KY

RICHMOND, KY (July 22, 2025) — Round one of the 106th Kentucky Open is in the books following a cool morning and a sun-soaked afternoon at Gibson Bay Golf Course. The opening day featured both a historic milestone and a sizzling performance, with Steve Cox, PGA, making his 50th and final appearance in the championship and Justin Tereshko (a) firing a remarkable ten-under 62 to lead the field.

Steve Cox, PGA, a leader in the Kentucky golf community for decades, was the first to tee off Tuesday morning. Playing in his final Kentucky Open, he reflected on his journey with emotion:

“My first Kentucky Open was when I was 16 at Paxton Park in Paducah,” Cox said. “I’ll always remember the excitement I had competing in my first Open.”

Surrounded by fellow PGA Members and supporters, Cox stepped onto the tee with misty eyes and was met with warm encouragement, setting the tone for a memorable start to the championship.

106th Kentucky Open Overall Round One Leader, Justin Tereshko (a) of Lexington, KY, delivered a career round with birdies on holes 2, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, and 17, a bogey on 13, and a clutch eagle on the par-five 16th.

“I probably made more feet worth of putts today than in the entire month of July so far,” said Tereshko. “It just felt like every time I looked up at a putt, I thought it was going in. My father, who caddied for me, told me he thought I had 24 putts today — and that’s including putts from the fringe.”

Just one stroke back is a pair of professionals from Louisville—Billy Basham and Cooper Musselman, each carding an impressive nine-under 63 to share second place. Basham’s round featured seven birdies and an eagle on the par-five 16th, while Musselman delivered a clean and confident performance, recording birdies on holes 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 14, 16, and 17, with his only bogey coming on the par-four 6th.

With three Kentucky natives leading the way, Gibson Bay Golf Course is primed for a thrilling Moving Day.

KPGA Professionals

Adam Gary, PGA, (Bowling Green) leads the KPGA contingent after firing a seven-under 65, putting himself firmly in the title conversation.

CJ Jones (Florence) is just one shot back with a solid 66 (-6) to open his week.

A trio of players sit tied for third among professionals at four-under 68, including Jeremy Martin, (Georgetown), Daniel Iceman, PGA, (Shelbyville), and Andrew Stephens, PGA, (Union).

Amateurs

Justin Tereshko (Lexington) set the pace with a blistering ten-under 62, placing him at the top of the overall leaderboard and in prime position heading into Round Two.

Tucker Jones (Richmond) impressed in his home city, posting a six-under 66 that positions him among the early contenders.

A group of four players, Evan Cox (Lexington), Zack Norris (McKee), Robbie Keyes (Louisville), and Tyler Wilson (Harrodsburg), sit tied at five-under 67 heading into Round Two.

Professionals

Billy Basham (Louisville) and Cooper Musselman (Louisville) each carded nine-under 63s, showcasing sharp ball-striking and aggressive scoring across all 18 holes. Basham’s round included seven birdies and an eagle on 16, while Musselman carded ten birdies with just a single bogey on the par-four 6th.

Adam Gary, PGA (Bowling Green) sits just two shots back after firing a seven-under 65, keeping himself firmly in the hunt as play heads into Round Two.

Tomorrow marks Moving Day, as the field battles to make the cut to low 70 and ties following round two. Players will also be competing for coveted exemptions — the top 20 finishers and ties this week will automatically qualify for the 2026 Kentucky Open, to be held at Indian Hills Country Club, July 28–30, 2026.

The Kentucky PGA extends its appreciation to Gibson Bay Golf Course and its staff for hosting this championship, along with the City of Richmond for their support of professional and amateur golf in the Commonwealth.

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About the Kentucky PGA:

The Kentucky PGA (KPGA) is one of the 41 sections that comprise The PGA of America.  Formed in 1925, the Kentucky PGA has a professional membership of more than 325 men and women professionals across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, each of whom is dedicated to promoting the game in Kentucky.

The Kentucky PGA is dedicated to the promotion of the game of golf and providing ongoing education and professional development of Kentucky PGA Professionals.  Kentucky PGA Professionals are responsible for conducting a variety of golf-related functions, which include general management, golf instruction, tournament operations, golf shop merchandising, junior golf programs, golf club repair, and much more.  KPGA is a founding member of Golf House Kentucky, the umbrella organization that manages Kentucky’s Family of Golf Organizations.