Chiara Noja sets the stage for the next generation in golf
The 15-year-old from Dubai is ready to set the game alight
Chiara Noja may only be 15 years old but she seems set on the path to stardom as she is already mixing it and rubbing shoulders with the greatest golfers in the world.
The German girl only calls one place home and that is the UAE, and she has grasped every opportunity of the facilities here to propel her on to the world stage.
Only last month she was participating in her second Moonlight Classic at Emirates Golf Club alongside the likes of Lydia Ko, who has helped make the female game what it is today along with the likes of the Korda sisters in the US, the Korean team and Aditi Ashok in India. We also have the Scandinavians such As Annika Sorenstam and the Brits going back to Dame Laura Davies and Catriona Matthew.
All of these greats are a true inspiration to our ‘Next-Gen’, and Chiara is at the forefront.
Speaking to Gulf News at Emirates Golf Club, the venue where she more than held her own against the greatest in the game during the Moonlight Classic, Chiara explained how it all began.
“I have been travelling around from Germany to England but once I found my home here in the UAe around 18 months ago I was able to focus on my game and I knew where I was.
“Dubai is my home and it is the only place I identify with now. If you look at the facilities and the academies ... We have 21 golf courses here and it is overwhelming. I see RAK, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai — I don’t think there is another place like it in the world.”
Chiara turned pro only last month and has since competed in Saudi Arabia and Dubai. It has been a bit of a roller-coaster since.
“It has been a blast. To get the invites were a dream come true. I have been given so many opportunities thanks to the state of the game in the UAE. I have also had so many learning experiences with the big players. And it is such a great kick-off in this next chapter in my life.”
Chiara obviously had to deal with the Covid pandemic — as we all did — but her determination has taken her to the top.
“I will always be thankful of the opportunities I get here in the UAE. I have always looked up to the likes of Lydia Ko and to be in the same dressing room as these guys is insane.
“When you see what the UAE has achieved in such a short space of time is incredible. And now we are at the top of the pile.”
Maybe Chiara will be top the pile soon also.