PULLMAN Wash. – As Washington State men's golf wrapped up the fall season, head coach Dustin White announced the signing of Pono Yanagi, a native of Hilo, Hawaii, to a National Letter of Intent, who will join the Cougars beginning with the 2019-20 season.

"We are excited for Pono to join the program," said White. "He brings a high level of passion and excitement not only for golf, but for being a Coug as well. He has a solid resume of high level events and has proven his game can travel and compete at the next level."  

Yanagi showed prowess as a young golfer throughout his high school career, becoming the Waikoloa Amateur Champion and winning the Hawaii State Championship in Hokulia in just his junior year. The new signee has also spent time competing in the Junior PGA, and has participated on Team Hawaii for the Eddie Hogan Cup and the Junior America's Cup.

Yanagi follows in the footsteps of his older sister, Nani, who was a golfer for the Washington State women's team from 2012-16. While at WSU, he is interested in majoring in Sport Management. 

Now in his senior year of high school, Yanagi will continue to hone his skills in Hawaii during the spring before joining the Cougars in Pullman next fall after graduating from Kamehameha Schools in the spring. 

"He works hard and has a great appreciation for the game, on top of putting in time in the classroom as well," said White. "We are excited to see what his future holds, and know he will play a role in getting us where we belong"