Ping Signs BYU Golfer Kihei Akina to NIL Equipment Deal

Ping has signed BYU sophomore and Walker Cup player Kihei Akina to an NIL deal, the company announced as Akina prepares for his fifth career PGA Tour start at this week's Bank of Utah Championship.

What Does the Deal Cover?

Under the agreement, Akina will play a full bag of Ping clubs, carry a Ping bag and wear a Ping hat at every tournament and appearance outside his collegiate events. This week at Black Desert Resort, that bag includes a Ping G440 LST driver, a prototype mini driver, i240 and Blueprint S irons, S259 wedges and a PLD Ally Blue H putter.

"I've been playing Ping equipment since my junior days," Akina said in a company release, adding that the brand's fitting team has become part of his routine since he arrived at BYU.

What Has Akina Done This Season?

Akina finished eighth at the 2026 NCAA Championships and has made three PGA Tour starts this season, including a tie for 16th at the Puerto Rico Open and a finish of 81st at the Wyndham Championship. At the Walker Cup at Lahinch last month, he went 1-1-1 and halved his Sunday singles match against Niall Sheils Donegan.

Ping has not disclosed financial terms of the agreement.