Written and photographed by Russ Benning
@russbenningphotography https://russbenningphotography.com/
On behalf of the Alive team, allow me to warmly welcome you to a fresh new year! May 2025 bring you joy and fulfilment. Reflecting on our last issue, I hope your Christmas break was either extra special or filled with renewed hope.
Speaking of reflection, I find this time of year to be perfect for contemplating the year that has been and looking towards the one to come.
I have been pondering on the work I’ve produced for the magazine and the people I’ve met along the way. Each month has brought a fresh theme and accompanying humans that have each brought something into my life.
I’ve been on a personal growth path for some time now and I choose to take value from each interaction. So much of the time I actually learn something valuable even if it’s just seeing a trait in a guest that is a mirror for something I’m aware of in myself.
Sometimes the most profound lessons come from unexpected teachers and I find it surprising and fascinating that this issue, my teacher is a driven yet humble 17-year-old girl. As I sat down with this young woman I found myself learning more about dedication, focus, and unwavering passion than I had anticipated. Here was a high school student teaching me about goal setting and the power of eliminating anything that doesn’t align with one’s dreams.
Allow me to introduce you all to Allira Shingles, local Wide Bay resident and aspiring golf pro to be.
Allira’s journey began at age seven when her father took her to the driving range. “Dad took me to the driving range when I was like, six or seven and that was it. Could not put a club down after that,” she recalls with a smile.
“I don’t even know whose they were!” Her mother Karleigh chimes in humorously referring to the clubs found in the shed, adding further levity to our conversation. This was the beginning of what would become an all-consuming passion for Allira.
What strikes me most about Allira is her crystal-clear vision. By age eight, she had already discovered that golf could be more than just a hobby—it could be her career. Learning about scholarships in America lit a fire within her that continues to burn brightly. “I thought it would be so good to be on TV playing what you love. That would be awesome,” she shares, her eyes lighting up at the possibility.
Her achievements speak volumes about her dedication. At just eight years old, she played her first tournament outside of Wide Bay at the Australian Junior Age Division Championship, securing second place. By nine, she was selected for the Wide Bay School Championship Trials, competing against much more experienced players. In 2022, she placed in the top 5 at the Queensland State Championships and was selected for the Queensland team at Nationals – an achievement she repeated in 2024 also.
But what truly sets Allira apart isn’t just her impressive +1.1 handicap (meaning she consistently shoots below par) or her tournament placements. It’s her remarkable self-discipline and drive.
”It’s all self driven,” her mother tells me. “She leads us, it hasn’t been the other way round. We’ve never said you have to do this, or you have to play that tournament. The whole journey has been spearheaded by her.”
I find this especially extraordinary in this day and age considering the infinitude of distractions present in our society, especially attractive to teenagers.
It seems that for Allira, the sacrifice isn’t even difficult in the slightest. When I asked her about missing out on typical teenage experiences, Allira’s response is simple but powerful: “I haven’t really been that upset about missing out on things. I just love golf.” This isn’t said with resignation but with genuine contentment. She’s found her passion early in life and embraces it fully.
I’m honestly baffled by the effortlessness of this part of her. In the personal development space, a lot of people pay a lot of money to get even a fraction of what comes so naturally to this gifted, young individual.
I feel like I asked the same question several times with slightly different words, just trying to wrap my head around this concept. She shares, “I feel like that’s just who I am. I don’t want to just do nothing with my life. And if I have an opportunity I want to go for it.” Her philosophy and language, wise beyond her years.
This self-motivation manifests in every aspect of her life. When faced with setbacks or rough patches, where many might take a break, Allira’s response is always, “When can I play next?” She studies course layouts, takes detailed notes during practice rounds, and even watches flyover videos on YouTube to prepare for tournaments. Her dedication extends to her physical well-being, maintaining a healthy diet and incorporating yoga into her routine.
What’s particularly inspiring is how she’s managed to navigate the challenges of being a young athlete from a regional area. Without access to the latest equipment or expensive coaching clinics that her competitors might have, Allira has relied on determination and raw talent to compete at the highest level. Her family makes tremendous sacrifices to support her dreams, with her father often staying behind to work while her mother and two sisters accompany her to tournaments.
Perhaps most touching is her relationship with her mother, whom she cites as her primary inspiration. “Um, my Mum. Yeah, I think she’s just the most amazing person, ever,” she says, turning to her mother during our interview. “I actually think I do get a lot of my qualities from you.” It’s a beautiful moment that perfectly captures the strong support system behind this rising star.
I bet even as this article hits your coffee table or favourite device, I will still be reflecting on the valuable lesson that I was taught by this special young human. Who she is as a person and an athlete gives something powerful that many of us, regardless of age, can learn from.
In Allira Shingles, we see more than just a talented young golfer. We see a reminder that when you find what you love – whether at seven or seventy – the key is to pursue it with everything you have. Her journey teaches us that success isn’t just about natural talent or resources; it’s about unwavering dedication, clear goals, and the courage to pursue them relentlessly.
