CGN news graphic featuring The Amateur Championship branding over a links style golf course. The graphic highlights BYU golfer Kihei Akina and a strong college golf presence competing in the 131st Amateur Championship.

Akina Headlines College Golf Contingent at 131st Amateur Championship

June 14, 2026

A strong group of collegiate and amateur standouts will be among the 288 players competing in the 131st Amateur Championship, scheduled for June 15 to 20 at Royal Liverpool and West Lancashire Golf Club in England.

Players from 41 countries are set to compete in one of amateur golf’s most prestigious championships. Following two rounds of stroke play, the top 64 players and ties will advance to match play, with the championship concluding in a 36 hole final.

BYU’s Kihei Akina enters the week as one of the highest ranked players in the field. Ranked No. 22 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, Akina is coming off a standout sophomore season that included medalist honors at the NCAA Bremerton Regional and First Team All Big 12 recognition.

Auburn’s Carson Bacha will also represent the collegiate ranks after helping the Tigers capture the 2026 NCAA Championship. Bacha recorded multiple top 10 finishes during the season and brings extensive USGA and international competition experience to Hoylake.

Several additional players with college golf ties are expected to contend, including Ireland’s Stuart Grehan, North Carolina’s Niall Shiels Donegan, South Africa’s Daniel Bennett, Germany’s Tim Wiedemeyer, and ETSU’s Gavin Tiernan, who finished runner up at the championship in 2024.

England’s Luke Poulter, who recently completed his freshman season at Florida, enters as the highest ranked player in the field at No. 9 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Poulter represented Great Britain and Ireland at the Walker Cup and is among 10 players in the field ranked inside the top 50 worldwide.

The championship returns to Royal Liverpool for a record 19th time. The venue hosted the inaugural Amateur Championship in 1885 and has welcomed more editions than any other course.

Defending champion Ethan Fang will not return to defend his title. The Oklahoma State standout is competing in this week’s U.S. Open after earning exemptions through his Amateur Championship victory last year.

The winner will earn exemptions into The Open Championship, U.S. Open, and a DP World Tour event, while also traditionally receiving an invitation to compete in the Masters Tournament provided amateur status is maintained.

Source:

AmateurGolf