“It’s probably the quickest player I’ve had since coaching that has developed to this point in his career.”
These were the words emphasized by San Diego State men’s golf head coach Ryan Donovan, in reference to his second-year prodigy Harry Takis. And when looking at the talent that has been nurtured under Donovan’s wing, this praise carries significant weight.
This talent includes J.J. Spaun and Xander Schauffele, who are both in the current top 10 on the Official World Golf Ranking, as well as recent graduate Justin Hastings, who has been competing on the Korn Ferry Tour, the PGA Tour Americas and occasionally the PGA Tour.
Despite the abundance of talent that has been produced at SDSU, none of those professionals have eclipsed what Takis has in just four starts into his sophomore season. On Feb. 18, Takis was announced as the No. 1-ranked college golfer, according to Scoreboard. As of March 4, he still holds that top spot.
“I didn’t know if I was going to be one or two, so I wasn’t surprised when I saw the ranking,” Takis explained. “But it’s definitely cool to look at the website and see that I’m at the top.”
Sophomore season surge
His rapid jump to the top is credited to his consistent all-around play at the start of the 2025-2026 season. His first collegiate start as a sophomore resulted in a T-2 finish at the 2025 Sahalee Player Championship, shooting 2-under par. He then played a handful of amateur events before the start of the spring season, including a T-4 finish at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship and a T-2 finish at the Australian Master of the Amateurs.
“I just have a lot more belief, to be honest. Golf is a very confidence-based sport,” Takis said. “I think when you step up on the first tee of a tournament and you believe you can win every single week, that makes your bad golf a lot better and it makes your good golf better.”
His momentum carried directly into the spring season, resulting in his first collegiate win at the Southwestern Invitational at the end of January, with a 7-under finish and two-shot victory. Two weeks later, he posted another 7-under finish that would be enough to earn him second place at the John A. Burns Intercollegiate, leading to his top placement amongst all college golfers.
His talent and execution put him in this position, but the people in his corner helped prepare him for these crucial moments.
Small, yet strong circle
Takis’ support group isn’t large, but the individuals he does trust are elite in their own categories. Coach Donovan walks with him the majority of tournaments, giving him any pointers he may need or simply helping keep his composure.
“It’s more just to calm him down and keep him present,” Donovan said. “Knowing that he can hit the shots, not forcing it, just letting it come to him, as opposed to making something happen.”
Although Donovan’s support is crucial, the bond he formed with Hastings last year reigns supreme.
“He was a great person off the golf course. I could talk to Justin about anything,” Takis said. “And then when we’re on the golf course, it was all business … which I loved. I think that’s why I get along with him so well.”
Hastings brings out the competitive spirit in Takis. Both times he finished second, Takis was right behind his fellow mentor.
“I’d like to think that if I teed it up to Justin now, I’d kick his a**,” Takis said with a smile. “I think he’s happy he got out because he knows I’d beat him.”
The combination of player development from coach Donovan and friendly, yet competitive banter from Hastings has aided in Takis’ new leadership role, which he takes pride in this year.
“I don’t want to just be the one pulling the weight, I want everyone to play well,” Takis said. “And I think there’s things that I can do to make that happen.”
Follow the leader
Although Takis is still one of the younger players on the roster, his level of play and confidence coming into this season have made him a true role model, despite not being a captain.
“When I first got to college, I didn’t believe I was good enough to be there,” Takis expressed. “It was a bit of imposter syndrome. But I think now that I’ve done it and I’ve done it enough, I can step up every week and believe I can win.”
This mental shift Takis has made from freshman to sophomore year does not go unnoticed. Although his play has taken the majority of the spotlight, coach Donovan can clearly see his leadership improvement and he praises that part of his game just as much as his physical ability.
“He wanted to be a leader and a captain starting the season,” Donovan said. “He’s earned the respect and we believe in what he wants, and he wants to win.”
He is fully aware that Takis’ talent stacks up with the best in college golf, but if the young star were to get content with where he’s at, that reality can change immediately.
“There’s a lot of golf to go”
Coach Donovan always emphasizes not becoming complacent. Although Takis currently sits above the rest, that top spot can change any given week.
“Coach is very big on not getting comfortable,” Takis said. “There’s so much golf left in the year that I’m trying to focus on that and not get too caught up in the rankings.”
Just a few days ago, Takis finished T-7 in the Southern Highlands Collegiate amongst some of the nation’s best competitors, shooting 4-under par through three rounds. This performance was enough for him to earn his second Mountain West Men’s Golfer-of-the-Week Award.
With that being said, Takis will have a golden opportunity to dominate next week at the R.E. Lamkin Invitational, SDSU’s home tournament. The three-round event will be held on March 9 and 10 at the San Diego Country Club in Chula Vista.
With less firepower from opposing schools and the local San Diego crowd behind him, Takis will look to take home his second collegiate win while helping the Aztecs secure their first team victory of the season.
“We’re getting there as a team, everyone’s working on the things they need to work on, everyone’s working pretty hard, so I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t be here at the end of the year,” Takis said.
