Salt Lake City, UT — Eastside Golf announces that Kihei Akina, an Eastside Golf Ambassador and a standout young golfer, has been granted a sponsor’s exemption to participate in the upcoming Utah Championship. This prestigious event is part of the Korn Ferry Tour and is set to take place from August 1-4, 2024, at Oakridge Country Club in Farmington, Utah.
Akina, ranked No. 1 in the 2025 class by Golfweek, is currently a senior at Lone Peak High School in Highland, Utah. His exceptional talent and dedication to the sport have made him a rising star in the golfing world. This year, he was named the 2023 USA Today National Boys High School Golfer of the Year, and he has already committed to playing collegiate golf at Brigham Young University (BYU) next year, further solidifying his connection to Utah.
The Utah Championship, presented by Zions Bank & Intermountain Health, is a cornerstone event on the Korn Ferry Tour. Known formerly as the Utah Classic, this tournament has been a key fixture in the Salt Lake City area since the inception of the 1990 Ben Hogan Tour. Beyond showcasing top-tier golf, the event emphasizes community engagement by supporting charitable partners. Over the years, the Utah Championship has contributed more than $500,000 to local charities, including the Tony Finau Foundation, Huntsman Cancer Institute, and For The Kids.
Tournament Highlights:
- Dates: July 29 - August 4, 2024
- Field: 156 players
- Purse: $1,000,000
- Course: Oakridge Country Club
- Play Starts: August 1, 2024
- Play Ends: August 4, 2024
How to Watch:
- Thursday: 6-9 p.m. (Golf Channel)
- Friday: 6-9 p.m. (Golf Channel)
- Saturday: 6-9 p.m. (Golf Channel)
- Sunday: 6-9 p.m. (Golf Channel)
Akina, a native of Kahuku, Hawaii, boasts an impressive list of achievements this year including a pair of top-5 finishes in acclaimed junior tournaments, most notable is his victory at the Nike Junior Invitational. He finished fifth at the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley with a three-day total of 5-under-par 211.He continued his strong play at this year’s U.S. Junior Amateur, making it to the round of the 32.
Additionally, Akina set a new course and tournament record at the Terra Cotta Invitational at Naples Golf Club, shooting a dazzling 62. His performance in the U.S. Open qualifying rounds further demonstrates his potential, as he advanced to the final qualifying round after posting the second-best score of 3-under-par at a local qualifying event.
“Kihei is not just one of our country's best young golfers, but also a standout athlete who represents the bright future of our sport both on and off the course. He's an incredible player from an amazing family with major ambitions who puts in immense effort to be the best version of himself and someone kids look up to. Eastside Golf is honored to have him on our team," said Earl Cooper, Eastside Golf's co-founder and CEO.
Olajuwon Ajanaku, Eastside Golf's co-founder and creative director, echoed this sentiment: “I'm proud to have Kihei and his family connected to Eastside Golf – where our NIL program will bring him the access, mentorship, opportunities and financial support he deserves as he strives to be the best golfer he can be. Earl and I understand the grueling journey that golf can be for a young athlete, and we are excited to work with Kihei to support him as he continues to excel in the game."
Eastside Golf’s Commitment to Community
Eastside Golf is deeply committed to giving back and building vibrant communities through initiatives such as Community Golf Days. These events offer a welcoming environment where people can experience golf for free and connect over food and music, making golf more accessible to everyone. This initiative reflects Eastside Golf’s mission to break down barriers and create inclusive spaces within the sport.
The community-focused mission of Eastside Golf aligns with the Utah Championship’s dedication to charitable efforts and community support. The Utah Championship is not just about professional golf; it’s about contributing to the local community by supporting various charities. This shared vision of giving back unites both Eastside Golf and the Utah Championship in their respective efforts to enrich and uplift the communities they serve.
As Akina prepares to compete in the Utah Championship, Eastside Golf stands firmly behind him, supporting his journey with the resources and mentorship he needs to thrive on and off the course. His participation in this prestigious event is a sign of things to come.
About Eastside Golf
Eastside Golf is a lifestyle brand dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the world of golf. By combining streetwear fashion with traditional golf aesthetics, Eastside Golf aims to break down barriers and create a more inclusive environment for all golf enthusiasts. Founded by former professional golfers Earl Cooper and Olajuwon Ajanaku, the brand offers a fresh perspective on the sport and supports young athletes through innovative programs and sponsorships.