“I’m delighted to have come first and made new friends,” said Bayleigh during a video call, expressing his happiness about his golf victory.
Bayleigh’s school also won the team title, marking the first AIMS victory for his school in any sport since 2008. Despite playing for only six months and practicing for less than 50 hours combined, Bayleigh scored 25 points for nine holes in the second round and came within inches of an eagle on the final hole.
“Bayleigh is truly incredible and has natural talent,” said Mickey Huriwaka, an experienced golfer who found himself cheering for Bayleigh, despite coaching a rival team. “He played like he was on the PGA Tour. That’s how good he was.”
Due to budget constraints, Taneatua School, where Bayleigh studies, hadn’t sent a team to the AIMS Games for over a decade. However, this year, a grant from the school’s board of trustees allowed Bayleigh and three other golfers, along with an 11-member netball team, to compete in the games.
Wiremu Wiremu, a teacher aide at the school and Bayleigh’s golf coach, took up golf just 10 months ago. When he learned that Bayleigh used to carry a golf club wherever he went as a child, he decided to recruit him for the school’s new golf team.
To help Bayleigh and his teammates prepare for the tournament, Wiremu borrowed golf clubs from family and friends. The kids practiced for three hours each, playing three full rounds at a golf course 15 minutes away from the school.
“Bayleigh’s game is all about having fun. He doesn’t worry about bad shots or if it’s taking him too long. He just loves the sport, and that passion alone drives him to play well,” said Wiremu, highlighting Bayleigh’s relaxed approach to the game.
Building trust and helping Bayleigh come out of his shell was a challenge for Wiremu. However, he treated him like any other kid, talking to him and treating him like a friend, which eventually helped Bayleigh open up and enjoy sports.
Bayleigh’s autism may have contributed to his calmness and ability to remain unfazed by bad shots. According to Wiremu, Bayleigh doesn’t get nervous and simply enjoys playing the game, mentioning that winning or doing well is just a bonus.
Bayleigh’s entire family, including his parents, younger brother, and grandparents, cheered him on during the AIMS games. Local businesses have been impressed with Bayleigh’s victory and have offered support, including providing golf clubs and equipment.
To celebrate their success, Wiremu treated Bayleigh and his teammates to sushi, Bayleigh’s favorite food. And true to his love for the sport, Bayleigh suggested playing more golf by going to a driving range.
When asked about his dream job, Bayleigh expressed his passion for golf, saying he wants to be like Tiger Woods.