Bachelors tick all the right boxes

Good looks, check. Nice smile, check. Intelligent and polite, check.

These two Tauranga lads boast looks and likeability and are finalists in this year's Cleo Bachelor of the Year competition.

James Hamilton, 22, is a pro golfer and spends his time in New Zealand and abroad while John (JT) Templeton is a fitness fanatic and is part-owner of new exercise phenomenon, Crossfit.

Both were nominated into the competition and have so far enjoyed their time in the spotlight.

"This is like a dream come true for me," Mr Templeton said.

Mr Templeton was born in England and came to New Zealand when he was 10.

He dropped out of school and joined the Army when he was 17.

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"I didn't do well at school and I got into a bad scene, then I looked at my dad, my role model, and he's amazing and I realised I needed to sort my [life] out and I joined the Army and it was the best experience I've ever had."

He trained as a soldier and was deployed in East Timor for seven months.

He then got involved as a physical training selector.

"It was extreme but I loved it because I saw constant improvement and when I see results, it's addictive."

In June last year he moved to Tauranga and then opened Mount Crossfit with two friends.

However it's bad news for any ladies who like the look of him.

He doesn't have a girlfriend but he's also not looking for one.

"I'm really busy with the business and trying to compete at the sport and a girlfriend would be a distraction but I still have time for my friends but I'm really not looking [for a girlfriend]."

Mr Hamilton, on the other hand, has been with his girlfriend for the past year and he has been in front of a camera before.

He has signed as a model with Auckland agency Red 11 and has filmed a number of commercials for overseas television.

His agency nominated him in the Cleo Bachelor of the Year competition and phoned him to tell him he made the top 12.

"I'm a pretty shy person and I'm not really an 'out there' kind of person, so yeah this is definitely a new experience for me," he said.

"I think I'm pretty lucky to make the finals and I hope this will give me a bit of exposure for future jobs."

But modelling is just a hobby for the nominee - his true passion is golf.

He turned pro at the end of last year and is gearing up for a stint playing in Britain this year before he is due to return to New Zealand to play the rest of the circuit.

"I practise golf six days a week and do gym workouts as well so it's pretty busy."

This summer you will find Mr Hamilton down at the beach learning to surf, kayaking in the sea or spending time with friends.

The public can go online and vote for their favourite Cleo Bachelor of the Year ahead of the Bachelor Reveal Party and catwalk show in Auckland on March 30.