NORMAN, Okla. – Georgia Tech’s Hiroshi Tai has been named one of three finalists for the 2026 Byron Nelson Award along with Will Sides of SMU and Ryan Voois of Illinois. The finalists were announced on Thursday by the Golf Coaches Association of America in cooperation with the Salesmanship Club of Dallas. The winner will be announced on Monday, June 15 and receive an exemption to play in the 2027 PGA TOUR’s The CJ Cup Byron Nelson in TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas.
The Byron Nelson Award is bestowed annually to the outstanding Division I, II, III, or NAIA scholar-athlete of the year. The recipient, a graduating senior, is recognized for their achievement in the classroom, on the course and in the community.
Tai graduated in May with highest honors with a 3.86 GPA, receiving a bachelor of science degree in business administration with a concentration in finance. He has achieved academic success throughout his career, earning GCAA All-America Scholar and CSC Academic All-American honors in 2024. The 2024 NCAA Division I Individual National Champion, Tai is a two-time GCAA All-American (2024 – first team, 2025 – honorable mention) and 2024 Golfweek All-American second team honoree. He is also a three-time GCAA All-East Region selection, receiving the recognition in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The Singapore native has recorded 29 top-25 finishes in his collegiate career, including six his senior season, most recently tying for 10th at the ACC Championship. Amongst his top-25 finishes were 14 top-10 and three tournament titles.
With his service and leadership, Tai was voted team captain two years in a row, becoming the first Yellow Jacket to serve as team captain twice in their career. Off the course, he has served on the Georgia Tech Student-Athlete Advisory Board for two years and participated in Tech’s largest community service project, the Michael Isenhour Toy Drive, which collects new toys for underprivileged children and benefits the Atlanta Children’s Shelter. Prior to his enrollment into Georgia Tech, Tai served 22 months in the Singapore Navy as part of his commitment to his native country.
Five Georgia Tech players have previously won the Byron Nelson Award, most recently Christo Lamprecht receiving the recognition in 2024. Additionally, Anders Albertson (2015), James White (2012), Roberto Castro (2007) and Troy Matteson (2003) have been recipients of the prestigious award.
Alexander-Tharpe Fund
The Alexander-Tharpe Fund is the fundraising arm of Georgia Tech athletics, providing scholarship, operations and facilities support for Tech’s 400-plus student-athletes. Be a part of the development of Yellow Jackets that thrive academically at the Institute and compete for championships at the highest levels of college athletics by supporting the Annual Athletic Scholarship Fund, which directly provides scholarships for Georgia Tech student-athletes. To learn more about supporting the Yellow Jackets, visit atfund.org.
ABOUT GEORGIA TECH GOLF
Georgia Tech’s golf team is in its 31st year under head coach Bruce Heppler, winning 74 tournaments in his tenure. The Yellow Jackets have won 19 Atlantic Coast Conference Championships, made 34 appearances in the NCAA Championship and been the national runner-up five times. Follow Georgia Tech Golf on social media by liking their Facebook page, or following on X (@GTGolf) and Instagram. For more information on Tech golf, visit Ramblinwreck.com.
