Born in Covina, California, Alexa Melton is our June featured player. The 17-year-old is a two-time ANNIKA Invitational USA presented by Rolex participant, with her best finish T27 last year. Currently ranked 40th in AJGA Rolex Rankings, Alexa most recently competed in the AJGA Las Vegas Junior at Reflection Bay presented by Live View Golf. Sitting at T13 after the first round, Alexa shot a 68 followed by a 66 in the final round to help her finish in solo second.
We recently caught up with Alexa and asked her some questions about her golf career so far as well as her everyday life.
What are your top three shows to watch?
Greys Anatomy, Gossip Girl, Friends
What is your favorite club in your bag?
Driver
Who is your favorite golfer and why?
Bubba Watson because he is such a unique golfer with an inspirational story.
Where would you go for your dream vacation?
Bora Bora
Outside of playing golf, what would your dream job be?
Psychiatrist
If you could create a “dream foursome” with two professional golfers and one other person of your choice, who would you choose?
Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson, Bethany Hamilton
What would you say is the best part about playing golf?
The best part about playing golf is all the lifelong friends you make. Tournament after tournament, you end up seeing the same people and you get to establish bonds and make cherished memories.
Who was your biggest influence growing up playing golf?
Lizette Salas
Who is your biggest role model and why?
My parents because they constantly support me in everything I do. They sacrifice so much for me to be able to compete at this level and they are amazing parents that I look up to.
What is your greatest memory of playing golf so far?
My greatest memory of playing golf so far was at the Rolex TOC. The tournament overall was so much fun. It opened my eyes and showed me that golf tournaments have a different side than just golf. That week was the most fun I've had from competing on the same course as the professionals to late nights spent out by the pool with all the golfers!
How old were you when you started playing golf?
12 years old
Why did you start playing golf?
I started playing golf for my grandpa. He would always try to persuade the six grandkids to try out the game and I was the only one who gave in and tried it out. At the time I was playing All Star Softball and Club Soccer and golf was sitting last on my list. After sitting down with my parents and writing down all the pros and cons to each sport, they convinced me that golf was the best one for me. I hated it at first because everyone would tell me that golf isn't a sport. But I quickly found some success in the game. At that point, my eyes were opened to a whole different world which was how much passion I have for this game.
How do you balance being a student while playing golf? What sacrifices, if any, have you had to make?
My school is very supportive and helps me out a lot when I leave for tournaments. Even though they give me a little extra longer to finish the work, time management is still key. As to sacrifices, I have had to make a lot. There have been many occasions when all my friends are out and I'm at the course working on my game. Many school dances and parties have been missed from golf but in the end, I don't regret anything.
What is your favorite course you have played?
Pumpkin Ridge Golf Course
What was your lowest tournament round and where was it?
64 at Ojai Valley Inn and Spa
If there was one piece of advice you could give to aspiring female golfers who are just starting to play the game, what would it be?
Some advice I would give to aspiring female golfers is to have confidence. In my opinion, half of the game is believing in yourself and not letting a shot or tournament define you as a player.
Set to graduate high school next year, Alexa will play collegiate golf at Pepperdine University with hopes to play on the LPGA Tour upon graduating. Melton has finished in the top 10 the past three AJGA events she has played in. When she is not out on the golf course, she enjoys going to the beach and boogie boarding and going on adventures with her friends. We look forward to watching Alexa excel in golf throughout the rest of her junior career and wish her the best of luck! Thanks for being our June Featured Player!