Punahou sophomore Alexa Takai has accepted a sponsor’s exemption to play in the LPGA Tour’s Lotte Championship at Hoakalei Country Club, tournament officials announced Tuesday.
Takai, 15, will be the lone amateur in the field when the tournament tees off Oct. 1-4 in Ewa Beach. Already a rising star, she won the prestigious Jenny K. Wilson Invitational in 2024 and helped lead Punahou to a state title in 2025. She now looks forward to fulfilling a lifelong dream, competing against the world’s best golfers on her home course.
“I think it was a little bit surreal. I’m still settling in a little bit,” Takai said. “It’s my first LPGA event, and it’s going to be memorable. I’m just excited for the week to start. Playing at home, where I’m comfortable and have my community around me, makes it even more special.”
Hawai‘i Golf Hall of Famer Brandon Kop, who has mentored Takai, compared her to one of the state’s all-time greats.
“She’s the closest at her age to Michelle Wie,” Kop said. “Her golf IQ is off the chart, and that’s what makes it really phenomenal. Most of Hawai‘i’s best players are in college, but Alexa is just a sophomore in high school.”
Takai, humbled by the comparison, said Wie remains an inspiration.
“To have my name in the same sentence as hers is definitely an honor,” Takai said. “I’m really passionate about growing this game. I’ve had so many people inspire me, and I want to give that same motivation and inspiration to others.”