A New Zealand boy diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder won a golf tournament just two weeks after picking up a golf club.
On the 12th, the New Zealand Herald reported that Bailey Teefa-Taraura, who suffers from the autism spectrum, won the championship trophy at the Zespri Ames 9th Hole National Middle School Student Tournament. This is an achievement achieved in only the fourth round since starting golf.
He, who has autism spectrum disorder, did not speak and stayed스포츠토토 under his desk during class at his school. However, he appeared confident and resolute throughout the golf tournament, as if he were a natural golfer. The New Zealand Herald reported, “Just before confirming the win with an eagle putt on the last hole of the tournament, Bailey seemed to be in concentration and joy.”
His father said his son’s autism helped him in golf. His father said, “Bailey doesn’t get too upset when he hits a bad shot. He just enjoys hitting it, so he doesn’t dwell on it,” and added, “I’ve gotten a lot of compliments over the past few days, but he doesn’t even think he’s a good golfer.” He was proud of his son, saying, “He didn’t really like sports, but now he’s into golf,” and “I love how confident he is.”
“Winning a medal is just a bonus,” said Fetu Weremu, his assistant teacher and golf coach at school. “
The biggest win is that he has started to speak and show confidence in socializing with other children,” he said.
He said he decided to give Bailey a try playing golf after seeing her always swinging a stick at school. He called his friend and started practicing with a borrowed golf club two weeks before the competition.
Bailey, who usually doesn’t talk much, told reporters after winning the competition, “I had a dream of participating in the competition and I took first place. It was a lot of fun.” Bailey enjoys playing driver the most among golf.
This competition was held in the stableford format. Bailey scored 87 points in the 9-hole, 3-round competition.
Bailey’s next dream is to participate in the Special Olympics. A local construction company offered to buy him golf clubs, and the New Zealand Golf Association is also contacting the school he attends to find ways to provide support.