WATCH: Alberton’s Cyra Elliot wins big at a golf competition in Ireland
Cyra Elliot (11) started playing golf at seven years-old and has been going strong ever since.
Alberton’s Cyra Elliot (11) recently won big at a golf competition in Ireland.
Cyra started playing golf at seven years old, and she has been going strong ever since. Her journey started at the US Kid Golf tournament.
“Once we saw the potential, I entered her into a US Kid Golf tournament, and she thrived. In her first season with Us Kids Golf, she placed first and played her two final rounds at the Gary Player Country Club, Sun City, and won the girls’ nine-to-10 age group,” recalls Cyra’s father, Dale Elliot.
Cyra’s first coach was Chantel Smit, who honed the skills of the young golfer.
Then came new coach Tandi McCallum, who is a well-known Sunshine and European tour player. McCallum’s guidance was a huge opportunity for Cyra to move to international golf tournaments. McCallum pushed Cyra to new heights, resulting in an invitation to train through the John Dickson Golf Academy.
@albertonrecordAlberton’s Cyra Elliot wins big at a golf competition in Ireland Cyra Elliot (11) started playing golf at seven years-old and has been going strong ever since.
Commenting on Cyra’s move to John Dickson, Dale said, “They saw her potential and believed that her work ethic and personality suited the game of golf. She has been with them for two years, and with the help and guidance of McCallum, we have seen a huge progression in her golfing ability, and it all boils down to her passion for the game.”
In 2024, Cyra started competing in SA Kids golf tournaments, where she dominated her age group. This opened a door to play in the Junior African Challenge 2024, which was held at San Lameer, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The three-day tournament saw her win the overall title in her age group.
Cyra’s winning streak last year secured her an invitation to one of the biggest world golf junior tournaments, the Irish Champion of Champions, which is held at the Nick Faldo Lough Erne golf estate. Golfers from 45 different countries, between the ages of seven and 19, gather at the golf estate and compete for the number one spot.
Cyra played amazingly and won by five shots, scoring 71, 79. 83 with a total of 233 strokes, and was crowned the champion of champions for girls and the 2025 winner.
“This was an incredible achievement, especially being her first time playing golf in another country. Cyra leans on the love and support of the family, especially from her sister Shaye, who is always there through the highs and the lows of golf,” said Dale proudly.
