Golfing With Purpose: BYU and Utah Coaches Tee Off for Kidney Patients in Heartwarming Charity Event
In a rare show of unity between fierce rivals, BYU’s Kevin Young and Utah’s Kyle Whittingham set aside the competition to swing for a cause much greater than football. The two head coaches participated in a charity golf tournament this week that directly benefits kidney disease patients in Utah, raising critical funds and awareness for a growing health crisis.
The annual event, hosted at a premier local course, brought together sports figures, fans, and philanthropists, all rallying to support the National Kidney Foundation of Utah and Idaho. The participation of two of the state’s biggest coaching names elevated the occasion, drawing widespread media attention and community support.
The rivalry was present in spirit—but this time, the scoreboard didn’t matter. Instead, it was all about building camaraderie off the field and channeling the passion of college football into real-world impact. Both Young and Whittingham hit the links with energy and enthusiasm, sharing laughs and trading lighthearted jabs, all while championing a cause that touches thousands of families each year.
Organizers report that the event raised over $300,000, which will go toward dialysis support programs, patient education, transplant resources, and direct financial aid for families affected by chronic kidney disease.
“Football may divide us,” said one organizer, “but this issue brings us together. Seeing coaches from BYU and Utah out here reminds us that we can use our platforms to do real good.”
With a packed field, generous donations, and two of college football’s most recognizable figures leading the charge, this year’s charity golf outing was a massive success—proving once again that even the fiercest rivals can unite when it truly matters.
