
Josh Teater, left, talked to UK baseball coach Nick Mingione after finishing his round at the 2024 Barbasol Championship in Nicholasville. (Colby Vaught Photo)
Kentuckian Josh Teater got his second Korn Ferry Tour win earlier this season at the Panama Championship and has made almost $8 million in his 24-year professional career.
Going into next week’s ISCO Championship in Louisville, he has made 256 cuts in his professional career and has 16 top-five finishes, including two wins.
It was also perfect timing for the popular Lexington native to find out he was being inducted into the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame. It’s an honor for those who have elevated Kentucky golf through leadership, service, and passion.
“Inductees have not only excelled in their respective roles but have also demonstrated a lasting commitment to growing the game, shaping its future, and inspiring generations of golfers throughout the Commonwealth,” the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame induction announcement said.
Teater will be a popular player at the ISCO Championship and has always had one of the biggest galleries when the PGA Tour had its Kentucky event in Nicholasville before moving to Louisville this year.
“Born and bred in Kentucky, he has remained committed to giving back to the game in his home state,” said Bruce G. Walters, a 2013 inductee into the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame. “His actions have made a lasting impact on the growth of the game throughout Kentucky.”
Teater graduated from Henry Clay High School in Lexington and played at Morehead State, where he was part of the 1999 OVC championship team. He was inducted into the Morehead Hall of Fame in 2011.
His record-setting 61 at the 2001 Larry Gilbert Lexington Open remains one of Kentucky golf’s most memorable performances.
His 2009 victory at the Utah Championship marked his first PGA TOUR-sanctioned win. Teater has competed in three major championships and made four appearances in The PLAYERS Championship.
“His playing record is impressive, but what truly sets Josh apart is his service and leadership within the game,” said Kelly Williams, PGA. “He has served on the PGA Tour Player Advisory Council three times and on the Korn Ferry Tour Player Advisory Board four times, including one term as Chairman. These appointments reflect not only his peers’ respect but also his deep commitment to giving back to the game he loves.”
He has often hosted junior clinics and always makes time for young fans after every round to sign autographs or take pictures.
“Teater’s legacy is not only written in scorecards and trophies but also in the lives he’s touched and the game he continues to elevate,” the Hall of Fame release said.
Teater is also a lifelong UK sports fan.