BYU sophomore Kihei Akina recorded the first PGA Tour Top 10 finish of his career Sunday, placing ninth at the Bank of Utah Championship at Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah.
Akina finished at 20 under 264 with rounds of 67, 67, 65 and 65. He was the only amateur to make the cut and used consecutive rounds of 6 under 65 over the weekend to move into the Top 10.
The performance also marked Akina’s third made cut on the PGA Tour and his first at the Bank of Utah Championship after missing the cut in 2024 and 2025.
Akina Climbs into the Top 10
Akina entered the weekend at 8 under following consecutive opening rounds of 67.
He moved up the leaderboard Saturday with a bogey free 65. Akina recorded six birdies, including three consecutive birdies on Nos. 5 through 7, to reach 14 under entering the final round.
Akina produced another 65 on Sunday with seven birdies and one bogey. He opened his round with a birdie before adding two more on Nos. 5 and 7.
After making a birdie on No. 10 and a bogey on No. 11, Akina responded with birdies on Nos. 13 and 14. He closed the tournament with a birdie on No. 18 to secure ninth place at 20 under.
The result marked the first PGA Tour Top 10 finish by an amateur since September 2025.
Former BYU Golfers Finish Strong
Former BYU golfers Zac Blair and Patrick Fishburn also competed at Black Desert Resort.
Blair tied for 21st at 17 under 267 following rounds of 66, 70, 65 and 66. He played the final two rounds without a bogey while recording 11 birdies over the weekend.
Fishburn finished tied for 32nd at 15 under 269. He closed the tournament with a 5 under 66 that included six birdies and one bogey.
Akina Returns to BYU Competition
Akina will return to college competition with BYU at Big 12 Match Play at Salt Lake Country Club in Salt Lake City from October 12 through October 14.
Sources
BYU: Akina Finishes Ninth at PGA Tour’s Bank of Utah Championship