BYU's Kihei Akina Secures Top Ten Finish at 2026 NCAA Golf Championships

During the final round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Golf Championships, BYU freshman Kihei Akina achieved a notable tie for 8th place in the individual competition held at La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California. Akina, hailing from Alpine and a graduate of Lone Peak High School, completed the final round with a score of 2-under 70, bringing his total to -8 for the tournament.

In the last round, Akina recorded four birdies alongside two bogeys, continuing to compete even after the BYU team was eliminated from the overall team standings, finishing in 18th place. His individual performance allowed him to participate as one of the top nine golfers not on an advancing team. Preston Stout of Oklahoma State claimed the individual medalist title with a remarkable total of 14-under across four rounds.

Top-ranked Auburn dominated the stroke-play segment of the tournament, finishing at -26, and advanced as the leading seed into match play, which starts on Tuesday. Akina's coach, Bruce Brockbank, praised his performance, stating, “He has had an All-American type year. To have a scoring average like he’s had this season is great for him, the golf team, and BYU athletics.”

Akina's consistent rounds of 69-70-71-70 contributed to a respectable top 20 finish for the Cougars, who improved from a tie for 13th place the previous year. Brockbank noted, “The guys did a really nice job this year. They were determined to accomplish some pretty high and lofty goals.”

Seniors Simon Kwon and Tyson Shelley wrapped up their collegiate careers, while junior Peter Kim still has another year to play. Akina’s recognition as a member of the 2026 PING All-Region West Team highlights his potential as a leading figure in college golf next season. Redshirt freshman Parker Bunn finished tied for 109th, and newcomer Jackson Mauss, a former standout from Corner Canyon, stepped in as the substitute during the tournament.