SHOCKWAVE AT HIDDEN VALLEY: BYU Coach Kalani Sitake Stuns the World at Coaches Legacy Golf Invitational
Sandy, Utah — In an unexpected turn of events that left fans, athletes, and fellow coaches speechless, BYU head football coach Kalani Sitake delivered a masterclass in athleticism—not on the gridiron, but on the green.
At Monday’s Coaches Legacy Golf Invitational at Hidden Valley Country Club in Sandy, Sitake emerged not just as a participant, but as the undisputed star of the tournament. The annual charity event, typically a laid-back gathering of prominent coaches raising funds for youth sports programs, quickly transformed into the stage for a sports story no one saw coming.
The moment came on the 17th hole—a 215-yard par 3 notorious for its narrow fairway and unforgiving crosswinds. With cameras rolling and a crowd of former NFL greats, NCAA coaching legends, and sponsors watching, Sitake stepped up to the tee. Eyewitnesses say he casually adjusted his glove, exchanged a quick laugh with Utah State coach Blake Anderson, and then launched a shot that will be talked about for years.
The ball soared high against the summer sky, fading gently with the wind before landing on the front of the green. It bounced once—twice—and then rolled with surgical precision straight into the cup.
An Ace. A Hole-in-One. On live broadcast.
The crowd erupted. Gasps turned to cheers, and high-fives were exchanged across team colors. Even longtime rival and Utah coach Kyle Whittingham was seen clapping with a grin of disbelief.
“I’ve coached against Kalani for years,” Whittingham said later. “But I’ve never seen him do that. The guy just pulled off a once-in-a-lifetime shot with absolute swagger.”
Sitake’s reaction? Classic Kalani. No fist pumps. No boastful celebration. He simply raised his club, smiled, and nodded to the crowd. “I was just trying to make the green,” he said humbly during the post-round interview. “Guess the football gods wanted to have a little fun today.”
Social media exploded within minutes. #SitakeShot was trending on X (formerly Twitter), with celebrities, fellow coaches, and sports outlets reposting the slow-motion video of the incredible shot. ESPN ran the highlight on repeat, and even PGA pros chimed in, with Justin Thomas tweeting, “Someone get that man on the Tour.”
But beyond the shock and awe, Sitake’s performance reminded everyone why he’s so beloved—not just in Provo, but across the college football landscape. It wasn’t just about the golf. It was about poise, humility, and heart.
The Coaches Legacy Golf Invitational raised a record $1.2 million this year, much of it credited to the viral attention brought by Sitake’s heroics. Funds will go toward youth sports scholarships, training facilities, and community outreach programs across Utah.
In the end, Sitake didn’t just steal the show—he elevated the entire event. And as the sun set over Hidden Valley, one thing was certain: Coach Kalani Sitake had just added another unforgettable moment to his legacy. This time, with a 6-iron.
