Elijah Ellis might be just 11 years old, but he’s already making waves in the world of golf—and in his local community. On a family trip to Taupō, Elijah became the youngest player ever to win the famous Hole-in-One Challenge, Taupō’s iconic waterfront activity that has tourists from all over the world hoping for a little magic.
By now you know the drill, players take their shot at a floating pontoon on the Great Lake, aiming for that elusive ace. Not only is it compulsory attendance for tourists and visitors to Taupō., it’s an exciting gamble, with a cool $10,000 prize up for grabs. While many come away with a free cruise or a consolation prize, Elijah made history when dunked his dimpled ball into the hole—and it wasn’t just a fluke. “It was a good shot,” Elijah remembers. “We knew it had eyes for the target the whole time.”
For Elijah, it was sheer buzz. But for his family—Mum Sheree, Dad Tristan, and sister Tania—it was the culmination of a fun family holiday that turned into something extraordinary.
[LT] Elijah, tell us what it felt like when you saw the ball disappear into the hole?
"It was a shock," says Elijah. "My mum and sister didn’t even watch at first. They were too busy chatting away! But when I yelled, they turned around, and we all watched as it rolled toward the black box. We thought it might have missed, but then it slammed dunked in!" His excitement is clear as he recalled the moment over the phone.
[LT] You were playing golf while on a family trip—was it just a holiday or did you have a tournament as well?
"Both!" Elijah says, grinning. "I had a tournament on the weekend, but we stayed for a couple of extra days, and that’s when the hole-in-one happened."
A Family of Golfers
It seems like golf runs in the Ellis family’s veins. While Elijah’s hole-in-one made headlines, his sister Tania is no stranger to the challenge either. Tania, who plays off a plus-3 handicap, has had her own experience with hole-in-ones, having nailed one during a tournament at Cambridge. "It was perfect timing," she recalls. "Definitely one of the best moments in my golf journey."
Their dad, Tristan, is also an accomplished player, though he hasn’t managed a hole-in-one just yet. "He hasn’t hit one on a golf course," Sheree shares, "but he did win the white flag at the Taupō Hole-in-One challenge a couple of years ago." The white flag doesn’t come with the same prize as Elijah’s, but it did score the family a free activity in the region, making it another fun win for the family.
[LT] So, what's the secret to your success, Elijah?
Elijah laughs. "It’s all about setup and alignment," he says confidently, sounding like a seasoned pro already. "That’s the key."
It’s clear that this family has a deep connection to golf, but Taupō has a special place in their hearts as well.
[LT] What do you love about Taupō, Elijah?
"The lake, definitely," Elijah says. "There’s kayaking, jet skis, and just everything you could want for a holiday." For a family that thrives on outdoor adventures, Taupō has it all—especially the stunning lake and its array of activities.
Sheree agrees, saying, "We always say, if we didn’t live in Tauranga, Taupō would be the place to be. The lake is amazing, and there’s just so much to do. It’s the perfect getaway."
But it’s not just the scenery that has drawn the Ellis family to Taupō multiple times—there’s the golf, too. So far, the family has played at four of the nine golf courses in the area, including the iconic Taupō Centennial Golf Course. “The courses are beautiful, and you can’t beat the views,” Sheree adds.
[LT] What’s next for you, Elijah? Any big plans now that you’ve won the hole-in-one?
"Well, we’re going to the Gold Coast next year," Elijah says, excited about the future. "I’m not sure if we’ll play much golf, but we’re definitely going to visit Topgolf while we’re there." The thought of hitting golf balls at the trendy Australian venue seems to be the perfect next adventure for a young golfer with an appetite for an ace!
Family First, Golf Always
Though Elijah has been the star of this particular adventure, it’s clear that the Ellis family bond is what makes their story a special Taupō tale. Whether it’s cheering each other on at tournaments or laughing together over a shot at the Hole-in-One Challenge, their love for the game, Taupō and family makes for a neat story.
Whether it’s the thrill of a hole-in-one or the simple joys of a family getaway, Taupō offers something for everyone. So, next time you’re in Taupō, grab a club and take a shot at the Hole-in-One Challenge. Who knows—you might just find yourself making history, too!