LOTTE CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY HOAKALEI

October 2, 2025

Alexa Takai

Q. How about just the overall experience. What was the most important thing you felt like you learned in these two days?

ALEXA TAKAI: Yeah, first LPGA event, so huge thank you to the sponsors, LOTTE, the tournament directors, Danny Zane; he's the one that kind of got me into the tournament. All the support I got; the golf course. Just grateful to be out here and take it all in.

I think just learning how to play under those pressure shots, playing tee balls, you kind of get a little nervy on the first couple holes and then maybe coming in, so learning how to manage that was a little bit better was a great opportunity for me.

Q. You played out here before. A lot of folks that play here say one of the toughest things to deal with is the wind, that maybe you playing here -- I know you seem so calm and everything, so was the wind bothering you at all or you know how to adjust?

ALEXA TAKAI: Yeah, anyone who grew up here knows how to deal with that. It's just something you're used to. 20, 30 miles per hour, it's kind of become the normal here. The home course I play at, it's just like this; sometimes more windy.

Definitely used to it, and kind of expected it.

Q. Also the heat and stuff like that. Hopefully the first of many. Does this gentlemen help you a lot?

ALEXA TAKAI: Yeah. Yeah.

Q. Noticing your USA-Hawai'i shirt? Are you part of the USA National Team Program?

ALEXA TAKAI: Just they have state teams. I was looking to hopefully make the (indiscernible). That would be cool.

Q. How has that program helped you out?

ALEXA TAKAI: Yeah, it's nice. It's just starting up. Still new to everyone. We haven't -- still developing it, working on it. It's nice to be part of a team. Golf is an individual sport, so whenever you have team aspect it really helps you.

Q. And you mentioned this was your first LPGA event. Who were some of the stars that you were able to see here or some people that you looked up to in your career?

ALEXA TAKAI: Yeah, got to play alongside a couple good players on the range and on the putting green. Got to see Nelly and Charley Hull, people that I looked up to. It's just nice to be alongside them and knowing that one day I can be out here, too.

Q. What are your biggest takeaways from the last two days?

ALEXA TAKAI: I mean, main thing is always to have fun. I think playing in this kind of environment, playing on the mainland in the States in bigger tournaments, it's definitely something you have to get used to, playing under pressure and learning how to calm your nerves.

As I play more I think I'll keep getting better at that.

Q. Are all your teachers cool about giving you the time off?

ALEXA TAKAI: Yeah. I mean, I think some of them are golfers so they understand. I mean, you still have to put in the effort and do it on your own, so it's not easy.

I think it'll teach me better time management.

Q. Yeah, yeah. Right. And you have lots of people you can -- it's like a chain of prodigies from Punahou. Three of them are here this week, right?

ALEXA TAKAI: Yeah.

Q. I mean, yeah. Have you met Michelle? Do you know her?

ALEXA TAKAI: I mean, I heard of -- I haven't really met her in person. I'm good friends now with Mariel and Allisen, so they're great people to talk to.

Q. I'm sure they'll eventually introduce you to her to somewhere along the line.

ALEXA TAKAI: Maybe we can tee it off, but we'll see.