RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University men's golf has announced the signing of Bulgarian standout Yordan Yanakiev, who will join the Colonels for the 2027-28 season.
Yanakiev brings an impressive international golf résumé to Richmond, having competed in several prestigious amateur and junior championships throughout Europe and the United States.
A native of Bulgaria, Yanakiev made history in April 2026 when he became the first Bulgarian golfer to compete in a DP World Tour event. At just 17 years old, he made his debut at the Turkish Airlines Open, earning the opportunity to compete against some of the world's top professional golfers.
"We are very excited to have Yordan join the EKU Golf program for the 2027-28 season," head coach Pat Stephens said. "Yordan possesses great talent and experience and has played at the highest level of amateur golf in Europe. We feel Yordan will make an immediate impact on our program. The future of EKU Golf is looking good, with Yordan being a big part of it. Go Colonels!"
Yanakiev has continued to establish himself as one of Bulgaria's top emerging golf talents through a series of strong performances on the international amateur circuit. He earned runner-up honors at the 2025 First Tee Miami Doral Junior Classic before adding two more runner-up finishes during the 2026 season at the Macedonian Amateur Open and Bulgarian Junior Open.
He also posted fourth-place finishes at the Bulgarian Amateur Open and Bulgarian Men's State Championship while claiming medalist honors at the 6-7 JGOLF Open.
Yanakiev's international experience includes appearances at several prestigious competitions, including the Boys' Amateur Championship and the Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Championship. He has also climbed into the top 1,000 of the World Amateur Golf Ranking during his amateur career.
Yanakiev will join his older brother, Hristo Yanakiev on the EKU men's golf roster, bringing another accomplished international talent to Richmond as the Colonels continue to build toward the future.
