Bayleigh Teepa-Tarau is a 12-year-old boy from New Zealand who has amazed the golf world with his remarkable talent and achievements. Despite being autistic and having only played three rounds of golf before, Bayleigh won the national title at the Zespri AIMS Games in Tauranga, New Zealand, in September 2023. He also helped his school team win the team competition, bringing joy and pride to his family and community. Bayleigh’s story is one of inspiration, courage, and passion for the game of golf.
Wiki | Biodata
| Name | Bayleigh Teepa-Tarau |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 2011 |
| Age | 12 years old (as of 2023) |
| Place of Birth | Tāneatua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Ethnicity | Māori |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Weight | 50 kilograms |
| Parents | Hemi Tarau and Pare Teepa |
| Siblings | Unknown |
| Girlfriend | None |
| Education | Tāneatua School |
| Occupation | Student and Golfer |
| Achievements | Zespri AIMS Games Individual and Team Champion |
Early Life and Background
Bayleigh Teepa-Tarau was born in Tāneatua, a small township in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand. He belongs to the Māori ethnic group, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Bayleigh was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at an early age, which affected his communication and social skills. He also suffered from other medical disabilities, such as epilepsy and asthma.
Bayleigh attended Tāneatua School, where he received support from his teacher aide, Whetu Wiremu. Wiremu helped Bayleigh overcome his shyness and encouraged him to participate in sports and physical activities. Wiremu also introduced Bayleigh to golf, a sport that he loved and excelled at.
School & Education
Bayleigh Teepa-Tarau is a student at Tāneatua School, a small school in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand. He is in Year 8, which is equivalent to the eighth grade in the US education system. He is a good student and enjoys learning new things. He receives support from his teacher’s aide.
Whetu Wiremu, who helps him with his communication and social skills. Bayleigh also participates in sports and physical activities at school, especially golf, which he loves and excels at. He has won several awards and trophies for his school and himself in golf competitions. Bayleigh’s education is an important part of his life and he hopes to continue to pursue his passion for golf in the future.
Championship Winner
Bayleigh Teepa-Tarau, a 12-year-old boy from New Zealand who has autism and other disabilities. He won the national title at the Zespri AIMS Games, a golf competition for intermediate school students, after playing only three rounds of golf in his life. He also helped his school team win the team competition, bringing joy and pride to his family and community. Bayleigh’s story is one of inspiration, courage, and passion for the game of golf.
Golf Career
Bayleigh Teepa-Tarau started playing golf in 2023 when he was 12 years old. He had only played three rounds of golf before he entered the Zespri AIMS Games, a national sporting event for intermediate school students in New Zealand. The Zespri AIMS Games featured a nine-hole golf competition for boys and girls, with individual and team categories.
Bayleigh competed in the boys’ individual category, where he faced more than 100 other golfers from different schools. He played three rounds of nine holes at the Mount Maunganui Golf Club, scoring 87 Stableford points in total. His score was the highest among all the competitors, earning him the gold medal and the national title.
Bayleigh also competed in the boys’ team category, along with his schoolmates Pedro Robinson and Lincoln Reneti. The trio scored 222 Stableford points in total, beating 23 other teams and winning another gold medal for their school.
Bayleigh’s performance at the Zespri AIMS Games was remarkable for several reasons. First, he had very little experience and practice in golf compared to his rivals. Second, he had to overcome his autism and other disabilities that could have hindered his concentration and confidence. Third, he showed exceptional skill and composure on the course, hitting powerful drives and accurate shots.
Bayleigh’s victory at the Zespri AIMS Games was celebrated by his family, his school, and his community. His parents, Hemi Tarau and Pare Teepa, were proud of their son’s achievement and praised his passion for golf. His teacher aide, Whetu Wiremu, was moved by Bayleigh’s transformation and improvement in communication and social skills. His school’s sports coordinator, Te Ahuru Waititi, was delighted by Bayleigh’s contribution to the school’s first-ever participation in the games. His town welcomed him back with a haka, a traditional Māori dance that expresses respect and admiration.
Bayleigh’s next goal is to compete in the Special Olympics, an international sporting event for people with intellectual disabilities. He has received support from Waiotahi Contractors, a local construction company that has offered to buy him a new set of golf clubs.
Also Read
12 Interesting Facts About Bayleigh Teepa-Tarau
- Bayleigh Teepa-Tarau is a 12-year-old boy from New Zealand who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), epilepsy, and asthma.
- Teepa-Tarau started playing golf in 2023 when he was 12 years old. He had only played three rounds of golf before he entered the Zespri AIMS Games.
- Bayleigh won the individual and team gold medals at the Zespri AIMS Games, a national sporting event for intermediate school students in New Zealand. He scored 87 Stableford points in the individual category and 222 Stableford points in the team category, beating more than 100 other golfers.
- Bayleigh’s teacher aide, Whetu Wiremu, introduced him to golf and helped him improve his communication and social skills. Wiremu also accompanied Bayleigh to the Zespri AIMS Games and caddied for him.
- Teepa-Tarau’s parents, Hemi Tarau and Pare Teepa are both avid golfers and support their son’s passion for the sport. They also attended the Zespri AIMS Games and cheered for Bayleigh.
- Bayleigh belongs to the Māori ethnic group, the indigenous people of New Zealand. He is proud of his heritage and culture.
- Bayleigh attends Tāneatua School, a small school in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand. He is a good student and enjoys learning new things.
- His schoolmates, Pedro Robinson and Lincoln Reneti, are also talented golfers and formed the team that won the gold medal at the Zespri AIMS Games. They are good friends with Bayleigh and support each other on and off the course.
- Bayleigh’s school’s sports coordinator, Te Ahuru Waititi, was instrumental in securing funding and resources for the school’s participation in the Zespri AIMS Games. He was overjoyed by Bayleigh’s success and praised his talent and determination.
- Bayleigh’s town, Tāneatua, is a small township in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand. It has a population of about 800 people and is known for its scenic beauty and rich history.
- Bayleigh’s town welcomed him back with a haka, a traditional Māori dance that expresses respect and admiration. The haka was performed by his family, his school, and his community members.
- Bayleigh’s next goal is to compete in the Special Olympics, an international sporting event for people with intellectual disabilities. He has received support from Waiotahi Contractors, a local construction company that has offered to buy him a new set of golf clubs.
