Kihei Akina Makes History at Utah Open
Incoming BYU freshman Kihei Akina became the youngest champion in the 99-year history of the Utah Open, winning the event on August 17 at Riverside Country Club in Provo.
Akina shot rounds of 66, 65, and 68 to finish at 17 under par with a total of 199. His final round included six birdies and gave him a two shot victory over Cole Ogden, Spencer Wallace, and Brady McKinlay, who tied for second at 15 under.
The 19-year-old surpassed the previous youngest champion record set by former BYU golfer Mike Brannan, who had held it for 50 years. Akina also became the first amateur to win the Utah Open since Patrick Fishburn in 2017.
In addition to the win, Akina led the field in birdies and eagles and posted the best score on par fours at nine under. The victory came on his future college home course and provides momentum as he prepares to begin his career with the BYU men’s golf team this fall.
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