Published August 2025
Brisbane’s Harry Takis will tee off in Dubai later this year, aiming to qualify for next year’s prestigious US Masters.
Australia’s No.1 ranked amateur began his career on the Nudgee golf course, where he remembers practicing late under golf cart lights until his mother called him home.
“I fell in love with golf because you can improve on your own, and you don’t have to rely on teammates for the win,” the former Nudgee College and Kelvin Grove State College student said.
Takis, 19, practices at the Virginia Golf Club when he visits home from his Californian University base.
Tangalooma Island Resort also sponsors Nudgee golf course and its manager, Emma Glynn, added that Harry is the company’s first individual sponsorship.
“If we can help him a little bit along the way, then that’s great for us as a business and something that we believe very strongly in doing,” she said.
“Tangalooma has a deep-rooted commitment to giving back, demonstrated by partnerships with charities like The Kids’ Cancer Project.”
Takis believes the sponsorship will be crucial to his success.
“They fund flights, accommodation, rental cars, and entry fees which, in America, cost about $1000 for each tournament,” he said.
Takis claimed his first win of the year at the Singapore Open Amateur Championship on July 11 of this year.
In Dubai, he aims to copy the success of his San Diego State teammate Justin Hastings.
“Justin won $400,000 and got into The Masters for winning the Latin-American Amateur,” he said.
“If I win the Asia-Pacific in October, I’ll get the same thing.
“There’s no reason why I can’t win this one.”
Takis acknowledged the support from his parents and from sponsors, Titleist golf gear, as he admits, “it’s not a cheap sport”.
“It’s a very expensive exercise, and I’ve been fortunate that Titleist have always helped me with all my equipment and apparel since I was about 15.”
Takis will compete in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship from October 23–26.
