NUUANU, HI (KHON2) —At just 15 years old, Alexa Takai has already accomplished what many golfers only dream of.

Her passion for the game began when she was just four, and now, more than a decade later, she’s one of the top young golfers in Hawaii—and she’s just getting started.

A Punahou student, Alexa has already claimed victories like the Jenny K. Wilson Invitational and earned the title of 2024 HSGA Women’s Player of the Year.

Alexa’s impressive resume also includes making the U.S. National Development Team for Hawaii and qualifying for multiple mainland international and national events.

In these competitions, she’s placed among the top three or two, competing against some of the world’s best players.

“I’ve come in top three, top two at many international and national events, and to take my game out there and still be able to score against some of the best players in the world just makes me shocked,” Alexa said.

Brandon Kop, a Hawaii Golf Hall of Famer who mentors Alexa, believes her talent mirrors that of another standout Punahou alum, Michelle Wie.

“I played with Michelle Wie in tournaments when she was 15, and Alexa is the closest I’ve seen to that level at this age,” said Kop, who credits Alexa’s mental strength for her success.

“Her mental side is unique. She asks a lot of questions, and the best players are always curious about the ‘why’ and the ‘how’—they want to understand the physics of the game.”

But it’s not just Alexa’s mental game that sets her apart; she’s also been strategic in improving every aspect of her performance. She’s increased her calorie intake to gain muscle, which has allowed her to hit the ball an extra 20 yards.

“I feel like a tournament is won well before the weeks leading up to it,” Alexa explained. “The best players are always working as hard as they can, no matter what’s happening.”

Alexa’s ability to balance school and golf is another key to her success. While the demands of both are never easy, Alexa stays ahead in her schoolwork to maintain focus on her game when it’s time to compete.

“It’s definitely a struggle,” she admitted. “It’s one of the things that I think will never be easy for me, and it’s never really going to go away, but I just try to communicate the best I can with my teachers. You know, do anything I can to get ahead of school work.”

As for her ultimate goal, Alexa dreams of joining the LPGA Tour and playing at major events like the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

“The Augusta National Women’s Amateur would be just a really cool one to play in,” she said.

Despite her big dreams, Alexa stays grounded in the present. For her, the pursuit of excellence is about constant improvement—whether that’s on the course or in the classroom.

“I love the fact that, you know, no matter how good you’re playing, your rounds can always be better,” she said. “That’s why no one’s ever had 18 birdies, and that’s the reason why nobody ever will. You can always get better. You can always improve, no matter what skill level you’re at.”