"It's a neat game and I just love playing," Raj said yesterday.
"Mum was my caddy at the weekend and did give me some advice during the competition, which I did take notice off - she helped."
While Raj obviously has a natural talent for the game it doesn't come easy.
"No it doesn't come that easy, I have to practise. My coach Alan Hyatt is based in the Manawatu and I usually see him about every two or three weeks unless there's something going wrong with my game."
Between input from Hyatt and recently turned professional and Wanganui Open winner Tyler Lock, Raj's game has developed rapidly.
"Tyler was also a big help. He has taught how to approach certain shots from difficult parts of the course and has helped me with my swing," Raj said.
The club's director of golf, Norm Rapson, yesterday confirmed Raj was the youngest in Wanganui to win a senior title and had a request into New Zealand Golf to see if she had made the record books nationally.
"I know Lydia Ko was 12 when she won a senior title, but Tara is just 12 and one or two months. I'm waiting to hear back from New Zealand Golf. Tara is certainly the darling of the Wanganui golfing world and a very promising player," Rapson said.
Before Sunday, Castlecliff golfer Amber-Rose Thompson-Newth was the youngest to win the Wanganui senior women's title, ironically also beating Scott in 2011 as a 17-year-old. She is now poised to take up a full university scholarship in America later this year.
In fact, Thompson-Newth is one Raj looks up to on the local scene.
"I have played quite a few times in teams with Amber, but not against her. She is a very good golfer and I look up to her. Nationally I look up to Lydia Ko of course and my goal one day is to become a professional golfer, but there's a long way to go before that happens," Raj said.
During the final play-off with 16-time winner Scott, Raj was cool, calm and collected.
"It was a little bit intimidating, but I just played my own game. If she happened to play better then she deserved to win."
In the meantime, Raj is focused on qualifying to play at the national under-19 championships and other tournaments on the national stage to make her backers proud.
"My parents and sisters are very encouraging and we practise together. Even my younger sister Sera (8) plays. And Ian Brown from the Wanganui Car Centre is a great help getting me to national tournaments - I appreciate it."
Raj is also a recipient of the Wanganui District Council's Youth Committee $600Ships grant to help youngsters reach their potential.
