Professional golfer
Kurt Kitayama
Kurt Kitayama is an American professional golfer from Chico, California, known for powerful ball-striking, aggressive iron play and a resilient path through international golf. He has two PGA Tour victories, including the 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational, and remains a regular contender in major and
Ask HH about Kurt Kitayama
AT A GLANCE
Quick facts
- Born
- January 14, 1993Chico, California
- College
- University of Nevada–Las Vegas
- Turned pro
- 2015
- PGA Tour wins
- 2
- Height
- 5'7"
- 2026 world ranking
- Around No. 40Ranking changes weekly
THE STORY
What to know
At a glance
Who he is
Kitayama was born January 14, 1993, attended UNLV and turned professional in 2015. He is listed at 5'7" and plays right-handed.
Biggest win
2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational
Kitayama earned his breakthrough PGA Tour victory at Bay Hill in a dramatic finish, holding off a strong field for his first win on the circuit.
Playing style
Power with controlled aggression
His game is built around above-average driving, strong approach play and the willingness to attack difficult courses. His best golf often comes when he combines aggressive lines with disciplined decision-making.
2026 form
A strong major-season profile
In 2026, Kitayama recorded a runner-up finish at The Genesis Invitational, top-10 finishes at the RBC Heritage, Cadillac Championship and PGA Championship, and a tied-10th at the PGA Championship.
- T2 — The Genesis Invitational
- T8 — RBC Heritage
- T9 — Cadillac Championship
- T10 — PGA Championship
Strengths
Where he gains strokes
The latest PGA Tour statistics available show Kitayama ranking highly in strokes gained approach and solidly in total strokes gained. Putting has generally been the less reliable part of his profile.
- SG: Approach — around the top 10
- SG: Total — around the top 30
- Driving distance — around the top 25
- Putting — a relative weakness
Equipment
A reported 2026 setup
Reported equipment information lists a Titleist GTS3 driver, a Titleist GT1 7-wood and a mixed iron setup involving Titleist T250, TaylorMade P7CB and TaylorMade P7MB models. This is reported WITB information, not a fully verified official bag list.
CAREER & GOLF JOURNEY
Notable moments
Born in Chico
Kurt Kitayama was born in Chico, California.
College golf at UNLV
He played collegiate golf for the University of Nevada–Las Vegas.
Turns professional
Kitayama began his professional career.
Wins internationally
He established himself overseas with victories including the Oman Open and the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open.
Becomes a PGA Tour regular
His international success and strong results helped secure a full-time PGA Tour path.
Wins at Bay Hill
He captured the Arnold Palmer Invitational for his first PGA Tour title.
RECENT FORM
Recent results and activity
| Event | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|
| The Genesis Invitational | T2 | 2026-02-22 |
| RBC Heritage | T8 | 2026-04-19 |
| Cadillac Championship | T9 | 2026-05-03 |
| PGA Championship | T10 | 2026-05-17 |
WHAT'S IN THE BAG
Equipment
- Driver
- Titleist GTS3Reported 2026 setupReported WITB · 2026-08-01
- Fairway
- Titleist GT1 7-woodReported 2026 setupReported WITB · 2026-08-01
- Irons
- Titleist / TaylorMade T250 / P7CB / P7MB mixed setReported combination setReported WITB · 2026-08-01
- Putter
- Scotty Cameron Newport 2 or 009M Tour PrototypeReported usage has variedReported WITB · 2026-08-01
HH take
Why this profile is worth exploring
Kitayama is an excellent example of a modern tour player whose results come from elite approach play and toughness, not just size or raw speed. His ceiling is especially high on demanding, shot-maker-friendly courses.