BYU Golfer Kihei Akina Signed NIL Deal With Ping
The standout sophomore golfer has entered into an endorsement agreement with the equipment manufacturer.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Golf
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BYU sophomore and NCAA Freshman of the Year Kihei Akina has signed an NIL deal with Ping. As part of the agreement, the 20-year-old golfer will represent the brand during non-collegiate events.
Why it matters
The partnership marks a significant professional milestone for one of the top amateur golfers in the country. It highlights the growing influence of name, image, and likeness deals in collegiate athletics for elite individual athletes.
Akina, a former Utah Open winner at age 19, maintains a 14-club requirement under his Ping contract. He previously set a Big 12 tournament scoring record with a round of 63.
The players
Kihei Akina
He is a sophomore golfer at BYU who was named the NCAA Freshman of the Year.
Ping
This is a major golf equipment manufacturer known for its high-performance clubs and bags.
The details
Under the new deal, Akina is required to play 14 Ping clubs and carry the company’s golf bag. Additionally, the golfer must wear a Ping hat whenever he competes in non-collegiate events, including his current appearance at the Bank of Utah Championship.
Timeline
1934 marked the age of the youngest previous Utah Open winner.
March 2026 was when Akina finished T-16 at the Puerto Rico Open.
Spring 2026 was the time Akina set the Big 12 tournament record.
The current week is when Akina is playing in the Bank of Utah Championship.
Season Trajectory
This deal follows the pattern set by the 2021 NCAA NIL policy change, which allows collegiate athletes to profit from their personal brand. It signals that top-tier amateur golfers are increasingly being treated as professional assets during their college careers.
Akina is required to use 14 specific clubs for the remainder of his non-collegiate tournament circuit. This shift in equipment will be monitored by scouts and analysts evaluating his transition toward a potential professional career.
The takeaway
The agreement highlights how top collegiate athletes are increasingly securing professional partnerships before turning pro. Fans should watch how Akina uses his new equipment to build on his record-breaking spring season.
Further reading
For more on local amateur and collegiate golf developments, visit Golf.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GolfDigest.
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