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Eight-year-old Skye Parata has been playing golf for half her life. She’s just returned from the US Kids Australian Open, where she placed fifth – a remarkable achievement for the Year 4 student from Silverdale Primary.
Skye is a keen sportsperson and though golf training takes up most of her time, she also plays rippa rugby for Silverdale Rugby Club and has tried her hand at ju-jitsu with HBC Muay Thai. And like most Coasties, Skye loves the water, heading down to Ōrewa Beach when she can. Though she enjoys most sports, there’s one that hasn’t taken her fancy – running. Skye says, “It’s a bit tiring.”
When not competing, Skye can be found practicing or playing holes at Wainui or Wellsford golf clubs most weekends. Coach, Dominic Sainsbury, commends Skye’s dedication, “She turns up to every session with a huge smile on her face and approaches all tasks with a calm focus and positive attitude.” Sainsbury works with Skye on developing physical, social and technical skills in the game.
Skye’s golfing journey began when her parents got her a set of clubs so she could tag along to twilight golf with her dad. It was mum’s clever idea as she wasn’t thrilled with how much golf dad was playing without the kids. Skye loved riding in golf carts, cartwheeling down fairways, and playing in the bunkers.
Before long though, Skye’s natural talent and great hand-eye coordination became obvious dad soon put his clubs away to carry hers. Skye has already had a hole in one and loves to reminding her dad that he can too one day.
Golf New Zealand’s Claire Beuvink said, “Skye’s golf journey has been a joy to watch. She always brings the fun on course and is such a good role model for other young girls getting into the game.” Like most young female golfers in New Zealand, Skye looks up to Lydia Ko with Nelly Korda a close second.
The eight-year-old’s talent, determination and a genuine love for the game has paid off. Skye has already qualified for two major tournaments coming up later this year.
Junior Golf Wellsford club representative Martin Worthington, said “Skye has represented the Wellsford golf club in the shield team and is already stacking up wins in the Matchplay format against kids a lot bigger and older than her. With a fantastic attitude and great people around her I wouldn’t be surprised to see her go far in the future, maybe LPGA – hopefully I can get a ticket.”
Despite her international success, Skye’s number one rule is “always have fun!”.
