Twelve-year-old Bayleigh Teepa-Tarau has amazed the world with his impressive golfing skills and now his talents have also caught the eye of our top golfer.
The Tāneatua boy went viral for winning the AIMS Games golf tournament last month after having only played three rounds of golf before.
In a video, New Zealand professional golfer Ryan Fox personally congratulated the AIMS winner.
"You really are an inspiration to the New Zealand golfing public," Fox said.
The golf star, inspired by the 12-year-old, was keen to get him on his team for a special tournament in December.
"I'd like to personally invite you to caddie for me at 'Chasing the Fox.'"
Teepa-Tarau can now add caddie to his résumé of impressive achievements but is already expecting a lot.
Asked on Breakfas which celebrity he would like to see at the tournament, the Tāneatua boy said "Tiger Woods".
"That could be a little difficult. I have a feeling Tiger could be a little busy in general, but we can only ask the question," Fox said in response.
Before he becomes a caddie, Teepa-Tarau is still practising his game with his coach Te Whetu Wiremu.
"It's been a wicked couple of months for Bayleigh and I just can't wait to see how far he goes in life," Wiremu said.
Teepa-Tarau is autistic and with all the attention he has been receiving he's been casually brushing it off.
"Well Bayleigh doesn't really take notice," Wiremu said.
"He just kind of lives life by himself and how he enjoys it."
His story hasn't only inspired Fox, it also has inspired those who live in Tāneatua, according to his coach.
"Well Bayleigh's inspired a lot of kids here at our kura now, so it's pretty awesome for the kids here knowing there are other things outside of our community."
Come December 14, Teepa-Tarau will be rubbing shoulders with golfing legends — maybe not Woods though.
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