IVINS, Utah — Freshman golfer Kihei Akina received a sponsor exemption on Monday to compete in the Bank of Utah Championship at Black Desert Resort on Oct. 23-26.
Each year, the event reserves sponsor exemptions for four Utah natives who have not yet qualified for PGA Tour status. Along with the announcements of fellow natives Connor Howe, David Liechty and Preston Summerhays, Akina earned his second exemption into the annual Utah PGA Tour event.
The preseason All-American third team member competed in the tournament last October, missing the cut by one stroke after carding a 2-under 69 in the first and second rounds.
The freshman also made two appearances in the Korn Ferry Tour, both being the Utah Championship at Ogden Golf and Country Club in 2024 and 2025. Akina was able to make the cut in 2024 where he tied for 49th and posted a 13-under par.
During his senior year of high school, Akina signed with BYU on his way to being Golfweek’s top-ranked golfer in the class of 2025. Last August, Akina added to his resumé by becoming the youngest Utah Open winner in 91 years.
Akina has participated in three events this year in his first season at BYU. Akina finished top 10 in two of those tournaments, tying for 10th at The Wohali and tying for sixth at The Tindall.