In a remarkable weekend for the Tauranga Golf Club scene, 11-year-old Elijah Ellis clinched the Men’s Intermediate Championship, followed closely by his sister Tania Ellis, 17, who took home the Women’s Senior Championship.

The duo, passionate about golf for about five years, entered the competition simply for the love of the game.

“I was nervous but excited to compete against older, more experienced players,” Elijah said.

He credited his success to extensive practice with his father Tristan Ellis, coach Hayden Beard, and The Clubroom Tauranga staff.

Tania echoed the sentiment, saying, “We both felt so happy when we won. I was so proud of Elijah.”

Elijah Ellis, 11, with his sister Tania Ellis, 17. Photo / Supplied.

Tania dreams of one day competing on the LPGA Tour, while Elijah aspires to play on the PGA Tour.

“If golf doesn’t work out, I’d like to follow in my mum’s footsteps. She is a former police officer,” Tania said.

Elijah has a different plan.

“If golf doesn’t work out me, I want to be a crane driver at the Port of Tauranga like my dad.”

Elijah is currently a student at Taumata School, while Tania, who has finished her secondary schooling at Tauranga Girls College, is focused on rigorous training and working to save for Q-School in Australia to pursue her professional golfing ambitions.

Their mother, Sheree Ellis, noted that their grandmother played a significant role in introducing them to the sport, having spent 25 years in the golf industry. Their father, Tristan, has played for over three decades and once represented New Zealand in golf.

“I’m the support crew,” said Sheree.

The recent championships marked Elijah’s first competitive outing in this competition, while Tania has participated three times, winning titles in both 2022 and 2024. Tania’s accolades also include being the 2024 Senior Women’s Club Strokeplay and Matchplay Champion, 2024 BOP Open Women’s Champion, the 2024 Kaimai Classic Women’s Champion, and the 2023 Cambridge Classic Women’s Champion.

Elijah’s achievements thus far include victories in the 2022 Top of the Harbour Stableford, the 2023 Kaimai Classic Under 13 Stableford, and the 2024 Waikato Age Group Under 14 Nett.

“We are so proud of their achievements and excited for their future,” Sheree said.

Tania Ellis, 17, hugging her brother Elijah Ellis, 11. Photo: Supplied.

The championships featured a competitive field of 40 participants, narrowing down to the top 16. Beard explained that Elijah initially ranked just outside the top 16 but advanced after others withdrew.

He played three rounds of matchplay to make the final.

The final match saw Elijah face Wayne Rees in a gruelling 36-hole format, where he emerged victorious with a remarkable 9-up score. 

“I watched Elijah finish and then walked the fairways with Tania as she won her match,” said Beard.

“They did lots of practice and mental preparation with dad, and for Tania with her coach Jay Carter, and for Elijah, with his coach Hayden Beard,” said Sheree, adding that she and Tristan never doubted their chances of winning.

“Tania has won it before and we had faith in her ability,” said Sheree.

“With Elijah, we knew an 11-year-old boy in a men’s club champs competition made him the underdog, but the fact he can play fearless golf gave us confidence.”

Tauranga Golf Club. Photo / Supplied.

Established in 1904, the Tauranga Golf Club has called its current 45-hectare site in Greerton home since 1914. Originally known as the Gate Pa Course, it has a rich history rooted in the community, thanks in part to a colourful character Dr William Brown, who was a local golf enthusiast and former mayor.

“We are very proud of Tania and Elijah and their golfing achievements,” said Tauranga Golf Club Manager Michelle Towersey.

“They are a joy to have around the club and great role models for our other Junior Golfers.”

According to coach Beard, there are currently 141 junior members at the Tauranga Golf Club, with about 100 involved in the coaching program. He has coached Elijah, while Tania has been under the guidance of Jay Carter.

“They both truly love golf, and we let them take the lead in their development,” Beard said.

“Their parents are awesome with letting them do their thing. We’ve fostered their love for the game and help them where we can. The reality is it must be self-driven otherwise kids get sick of it. So, we let them go for it.”

Beard was not surprised by the siblings’ victories.

“Elijah has been putting in the hard work, and created the most out of his opportunities,” he stated, noting Elijah’s record-breaking round of 57 off the junior purple tees at the course.

“It’s the lowest score we’ve ever had at Tauranga off any tees which is cool as there have been course professionals such as Josh Geary and Luke Toomey who shot 58 off the blue tees. At Elijah’s age, for him to be doing this is a great sign.

“From here, he’ll keep playing in open tournaments over the next few years and I’m guessing he’ll want to play professional golf. We’re just letting him enjoy his golf. If he continues, he could follow in the footsteps of Ryan Fox or Lydia Ko.”

As Tania continues to progress in her golfing career, competing for the BOP women’s team, and with a national competition in November, both siblings are poised to make significant strides in the sport.

Beard said Tania has also been helping coach the next wave of juniors coming through the club.

He attributed the growing popularity of golf among young people to initiatives by Golf NZ that make the sport more accessible and enjoyable.

“You don’t need to compete to enjoy golf; you can just show up and play and socialise, which fosters a welcoming environment for everyone,” he said.