RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University Athletics has named Pat Stephens the new head coach of the Colonels' men's golf program as announced by Vice President and Director of Athletics, Kyle Moats on Monday afternoon.
 
A familiar name to EKU, Stephens is a member of the EKU Athletics Hall of Fame both as a player and as a coach having led the men's golf program for 21 years from 1997-2018.
 
Stephens was also inducted to the Madison County Sports Hall of Fame this past year.
 
"I am excited to welcome back coach Stephens to Richmond," said Moats. "He was my first call when we had the opening. His track record of success throughout his career, knowledge of our program and area, and eagerness to come back and lead the program makes him the perfect fit to lead EKU men's golf."
 
Most recently, Stephens was the head coach of Texas A&M- Corpus Christi's women's golf team from Jan. 2022- June 2024.
 
With the Islanders, he led them to seven team event wins, five individual first-place finishes, coached six Southland All-Conference selections, and broke multiple program records.
 
In his previous 21 years as the coach of the Colonels, Stephens oversaw one of the most successful periods of EKU men's golf as the Colonels won three OVC Championships in 2006, 2008, and 2015 earning spots in the NCAA Regionals while also coaching four individuals to NCAA Regional appearances.
 
"I am honored and excited to be back at EKU," said coach Stephens. "This place and this program hold a special place for myself and my wife, and we are thrilled to be back. I am looking forward to getting to know the talented players on our team and to our Spring schedule."
 
Additionally, he was the OVC's coach of the year in 2006, 2008, 2015, and 2017 with 45-1st place team finishes and 35 individual medalists coaching a total of 33 OVC All-Conference players, and 4 All-American Scholars.
 
His most successful season as a coach came in 2016-17 as EKU won five tournament championships and three runner-up finishes as a team under Stephens' leadership as EKU ranked as high as No. 28 in the nation in the Bushnell Golfweek Coaches Poll.
 
An EKU alum, Stephens transferred to EKU in his junior season from Kentucky making an instant impact winning the medalist title at the 1982 OVC Tournament and then finishing second his senior season as EKU won the team title at the OVC Tournament both years. 
 
Stephens won five collegiate events in his career and was the winner of the prestigious 1983 Southern Amateur Championship.
 
The Colonels are scheduled to begin their Spring 2025 season on Feb. 16 hosting the Mesquite Desert Classic at the Casablanca Resort & Casino in Mesquite, Nev.