Kihei Akina, a 20-year-old BYU sophomore, is tied for the lead at the VidantaWorld Mexico Open after two rounds, placing him on a direct path toward a PGA Tour card. Akina shot a 7-under 64 on Friday to reach 11 under par, tying him with Matthieu Pavon and Adrien Dumont De Chassart, Golfweek reported.
Akina earns 12th Accelerated point in Mexico
By making the cut at the VidantaWorld Mexico Open, Akina secured his 12th point in the PGA Tour University Accelerated program, PGA Tour reported. He needs 20 points to earn immediate status on the PGA Tour. He would become the fourth golfer to utilize this specific pathway if he reaches the threshold.
Not scared: 20-year-old amateur Kihei Akina contending at VidantaWorld Mexico Open https://t.co/e0o3kkvBwf
Akina’s second round featured an eagle on the par-4 13th hole and a chip-in birdie on the 18th. Golfweek noted that Akina’s putter was a primary driver of his performance, as he drained 164 feet of putts during Friday’s round.
Did you know? Akina has made the cut in all five of his PGA Tour starts this year, including a solo ninth-place finish at the Bank of Utah Championship.
Hole locations for the second round of the VidantaWorld Mexico Open pic.twitter.com/oy3JP1TCPF
Pathway to a PGA Tour card
Akina’s ascent differs from previous Accelerated program graduates. While Luke Clanton, Gordon Sargent, and Jackson Koivun were viewed as high-profile prospects before college, PGA Tour reported that Akina has received fewer sponsor exemptions and was considered one of the final selections for the U.S. Walker Cup team earlier this year.
Akina has earned points through several avenues:
Just two amateurs have won on Tour in the last 40 years. @BYUMGolf sophomore Kihei Akina shares the lead at the VidantaWorld Mexico Open after opening in rounds of 67-64.With the made cut, Akina also secures his 12th @PGATOURU Accelerated point, drawing closer to the 20-point… pic.twitter.com/VLmg9dzPoa
- Tour Finishes: Making cuts and recording a top-10 finish at the Bank of Utah Championship.
- Awards: Two points for being named Outstanding Freshman of the Year last spring.
- Team Play: Participation in the U.S. Walker Cup and Palmer Cup teams.
While five points are available via the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), Akina is currently ranked No. 9 and has not yet cracked the top five required for those points, PGA Tour reported.
Potential for immediate status
If Akina maintains a top-10 position through the weekend in Mexico, he will earn his 13th Accelerated point and an exemption into next week’s World Wide Technology Championship. However, he could bypass the point system entirely by winning the tournament. PGA Tour noted that Nick Dunlap achieved this in 2024 by winning The American Express.
“You try to provide for the family. That’s all we focus on right now. I’m not quitting. I’m not giving up, at no point.” With just four events left to retain exempt Tour status, Rafael Campos delivered a second-round 64 at the VidantaWorld Mexico Open to earn a weekend tee time. pic.twitter.com/Rk5z3huZh9
Akina told PGA Tour that he sought advice from Luke Clanton on managing the pressure of the pursuit, noting that Clanton was in a similar position. “It would be cool to kind of do what he did,” Akina said.
Pro Tip: The PGA Tour University Accelerated program allows elite amateurs to skip traditional qualifying routes by accumulating points through collegiate awards, amateur team play, and professional Tour finishes.
Preferred lies are in effect for the second round of the VidantaWorld Mexico Open.
Comparing Accelerated program outcomes
Of the three golfers who previously graduated via the Accelerated pathway, only Jackson Koivun has won a PGA Tour event. Both Luke Clanton and Gordon Sargent are currently working to retain their cards this fall, according to PGA Tour.
Kihei Akina’s PGA Tour Performance
| Tournament | Result |
|---|---|
| Bank of Utah Championship | 9th |
| Butterfield Bermuda Championship | T17 |
| Puerto Rico Open | T16 |
| Wyndham Championship | 81st |
Common questions about Akina’s status
How many points does Kihei Akina need for a Tour card?
Akina needs a total of 20 points to jump straight to the PGA Tour. He currently has 12 points after making the cut at the Mexico Open.
Can an amateur earn a card without the Accelerated program?
Yes. An amateur can bypass the points system by winning a PGA Tour event, a feat accomplished by Nick Dunlap at The American Express in 2024.
What is Akina’s current amateur ranking?
Akina is currently ranked No. 9 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), according to PGA Tour.
Akina described his current experience of playing back-to-back events as a learning process, telling PGA Tour Radio that he is feeling more comfortable with each round played.
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