MILLCREEK, Utah — BYU men’s golfer David Liechty was named the 2026 UGA Men’s Player of the Year, the Utah Golf Association announced Friday.
“It’s so cool to say that I’m the player of the year for Utah golf,” Liechty said. “It’s my first time winning it after coming close several times. I really wanted to win it.”
Liechty earned 333.35 points throughout the 2026 season after winning three events. He opened the season by winning the UGA Winterchamps, where he carded an 11-under 61 to set a course record at Copper Rock Golf Course.
A Utah Tech transfer, Liechty also claimed victories at the Valley View Amateur and the Mountainland Valley View Open, becoming the first player to win both in the same season. He finished the latter at 15 under par to break the previous course record by three strokes.
The award is based on the Player Performance Rankings, with point values weighted toward the UGA’s premier tournaments.
“Winning is a confidence booster,” Liechty said. “I’m excited I was able to play in those tournaments. The award is going to help me have more confidence as I play this season.”
Seven BYU men’s golfers have received the award while playing for the Cougars, while teammate Cooper Jones earned the honor during high school.
Liechty and BYU women’s golfer Kate Walker became the first current Cougars to sweep the UGA Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year awards in the 15 years since the women’s award was introduced.