LOUISVILLE, KY (September 16, 2025) – On September 16, 2025, the stage was set at Valhalla Golf Club, where the state’s finest amateurs and PGA professionals gathered for one of Kentucky’s most meaningful traditions — the Coomer Cup.

What began decades ago as the Challenge Cup now carries a new name and deeper purpose, honoring Bill Coomer, PGA, whose decades of service to Golf House Kentucky shaped generations of competition. In just a few short years since its renaming, the Coomer Cup has become more than an event — it’s a legacy, a yearly reminder of the ties that bind the amateur and professional game in the Commonwealth.

This Ryder Cup-style clash once again brought together the top 10 amateurs from the 2024 Player of the Year Points List, representing KGA, and the top 10 PGA Professionals from the 2025 Player of the Year Points List, representing the KPGA. The energy was undeniable. Each tee shot, each putt, carried more than the weight of a single match. It carried the pride of two traditions colliding.

Team KGA, captained by Phil Armbruster, fielded a lineup stacked with talent — from seasoned competitors like Joshua Rhodes and Justin Tereshko to local standouts like Evan Cox and Jacob Cook. On the other side, Team KPGA, under the steady leadership of Chad Martin, PGA, countered with a roster loaded with experience and firepower — names like Andrew Stephens, PGA, Daniel Iceman, PGA, and Alastair Tidcombe, PGA, ready to defend the pride of the professionals.

2025 KGA TEAM REPRESENTATIVES

Captain: Phil Armbruster

Joshua Rhodes

Evan Cox

Jacob Cook

Justin Tereshko

Davis Boland

Bryan Baysinger

Robbie Keyes

Matt Epperson

Ben Kendrick

Chris Smith

2025 KPGA TEAM REPRESENTATIVES

Captain- Chad Martin, PGA 

Andrew Stephens, PGA

Robert Costello, PGA

Aaron Eldridge, PGA

Daniel Iceman, PGA

Tyler Oldham, PGA

Alastair Tidcombe, PGA

Daniel Utley, PGA

Brad Maynard, PGA

John Bachman, PGA

Jesse Massie, PGA

The day unfolded over 27 holes across three formats — scramble, Chapman alternate shot, and four-ball — with momentum swinging back and forth. The professionals set the pace early in the scramble, taking a 28.5–21.5 lead, and at one point had a 12-point lead. The amateurs answered in the Chapman alternate shot, winning the session 27–23 to keep the contest within reach.

It all came down to the four-ball finale. The last two matches, Match 4 and Match 5, carried the fate of the Cup to the final hole of the day. In Match 4, Jacob Cook and Ben Kendrick of the KGA battled Robert Costello and Jesse Massie of the KPGA. After tense approaches and clutch putts, the amateurs held on, making a team par on the final hole to earn a crucial point.

In Match 5, Bryan Baysinger and Evan Cox from the KGA faced Aaron Eldridge and Andrew Stephens from the KPGA. On the 26th hole, Stephens sank a 20-foot birdie putt, only for Baysinger to respond immediately with a matching birdie. On the 27th hole, Stephens had a chance to secure birdie and give the KPGA the overall win, but he barely missed his birdie putt. It then fell to Cox to decide the fate of the Cup. His approach landed within striking distance, setting up a final par putt — and with nerves of steel, he rolled it in, securing a tie on the hole. With the dramatic finish, the Coomer Cup ended in an improbable 75–75 tie.

With the teams ending in a tie, the KGA Team retains the Coomer Cup for another year, as they were the defending champions from 2024.

The day at Valhalla was more than a competition. It was a showcase of fellowship, grit, and respect for the game. Players leaned on their teammates, embraced the spirit of match play, and fought for every point with a determination worthy of Coomer’s name.

As the final putts dropped, one thing was certain: the Coomer Cup remains a crown jewel in Kentucky golf. Whether amateur or professional, every player left Valhalla having been part of something greater than themselves — a tradition that will continue to inspire for years to come.

Full championship coverage will be available at kygolf.org and across our social media channels.

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The Kentucky Golf Association extends its gratitude to Valhalla Golf Club and its staff for their efforts in hosting this year’s Coomer Cup Championship.
 

About Golf House Kentucky
Golf House Kentucky is the umbrella organization for Kentucky’s Family of Golf Organizations: Kentucky Golf Association, Kentucky PGA, and Kentucky Golf Foundation.  The vision of Kentucky’s golf leaders, Golf House Kentucky was founded in 1978, and is headquartered in a picturesque country setting in Louisville, Kentucky.  Golf House Kentucky conducts competitions for golfers of all ages, genders, and skill levels (amateur and professional), and provides valuable services to Kentucky PGA Professionals and member golf facilities. 

Working in partnership with the USGA, Golf House Kentucky provides individual golfers and member golf facilities with a wide range of services: Handicapping, USGA Course and Slope Rating, award programs, club consulting, and golf management software.  The family’s philanthropic affiliate, the Kentucky Golf Foundation, promotes the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame, Kentucky Golf Museum, and Kentucky Junior Golf. Encompassed within it are the Kentucky PGA Junior Tour, Youth on Course, PGA Jr. League, and Drive, Chip & Putt - all of which exist to develop young golfers and further their love for the sport.

About the KGA

The Kentucky Golf Association (KGA) is the official governing body for amateur golf in the Commonwealth, as recognized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Established in 1911, the KGA is a full-service organization representing more than 120 member golf courses across Kentucky.

Led by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of course representatives from throughout the state, the KGA plays a vital role in promoting, supporting, and growing the game of golf in Kentucky. It is also a founding member of Golf House Kentucky, the umbrella organization for Kentucky’s Family of Golf Organizations.

As an Allied Golf Association of the USGA, the KGA is responsible for a wide range of services, including managing the World Handicap System, conducting course ratings, providing expertise on the Rules of Golf, running competitive tournaments and USGA qualifiers, and enhancing the visibility and branding of golf throughout the Commonwealth.

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 350 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.

The PGA of America is an organization made up of nearly 32,000 golf professionals, each of whom is dedicated to promoting the game. The PGA has the responsibility to impact the traditions and history of golf on the future caretakers of the game. The PGA of America, the Kentucky PGA, and its member golf professionals are recognized as the leaders in the world of golf today.