CARLSBAD — Kihei Akina tied for 8th in the race for medalist honors at the 2026 NCAA Men’s Golf Championships on Monday at La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California. He shot a 2-under 70 in the final round on the North Course to finish at 8-under for the tournament.
Akina posted rounds of 69-70-71-70 for a 72-hole total of 280 (−8), tying with Lance Simpson of Tennessee. His final round included four birdies and two bogeys. “I played really solid and smooth besides the two bogeys on the back nine. I was just a little bit out of position on those two holes, which you can’t do much at this course, but I did a great job the rest of the round.”
Akina played as an individual in the final round after finishing among the top nine individuals not on an advancing team. BYU’s team finished 18th in the stroke-play portion and did not qualify for match play, posting a 54-hole total of +9 with rounds of 1-under, 8-over, and 2-over.
Despite his team’s result, Akina stood out statistically, leading the 156-player field in par-4 scoring with an average of 3.83 and recording two eagles across four rounds. He was tied for seventh after 54 holes alongside Auburn’s Jackson Koivun before settling into his final tie for eighth.
The Big 12 freshman of the year, Akina recorded 10 top-10 finishes during his debut collegiate season, including victories at the R.E. Lamkin Invitational and Bridgestone Collegiate Invitational. He was named to the 2026 PING All-Region West Team and is a finalist for the Fred Haskins Award, given annually to the most outstanding collegiate golfer in the United States.
“Kihei Akina 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. It has been a long time since we’ve had a guy put up the performances he’s been having,” retiring BYU coach Bruce Brockbank said.
Todd Miller, BYU director of golf, added, “The simplicity with which he plays the game is what impresses me the most. He didn’t need to do anything flashy to be the best freshman in the field and who I consider the best in the country. I’m excited to watch him build his amateur resume in preparation for the Tour.”