Eleven-year-old golfer Joseph Hancock won the Waikouaiti Golf Club senior title on Sunday.
''He just seems to have a natural ability,'' his father, Gary, said yesterday.
And he should know. Mr Hancock was the beaten finalist.
''He played very well. We were even for the first four holes and then he just pulled away from me. He shot 21 holes in two-over par. I couldn't get a sniff in,'' Mr Hancock said.
''I was very, very happy for him.
''There wouldn't be any younger senior club champions in New Zealand,'' Mr Hancock said.
The father and son are keen golfing mates and once played together for 70 consecutive days.
Joseph started playing golf four years ago and is already hitting off a 10 handicap.
''I like putting and chipping the best, especially within 60m of the green, when I can use my 60 degree pitching wedge,'' he said.
His favourite player is Tiger Woods.
''I like the way he plays and how he shows his emotions on the greens.''
The year 7 Balmacewen Intermediate pupil won the New Zealand under-11 national golf title in Manawatu earlier this year, and now has his eye on loftier goals.
''I want to be a professional golfer when I'm older and win the Masters at Augusta,'' Joseph said. Until then, he will have to be content with being the toast of Waikouaiti.
''The club is very proud of him.''
