It’s been quite a few weeks for Dubai-based prodigy Chiara Noja since turning professional on the eve of the Dubai Moonlight Classic.
After making her pro debut at Emirates Golf Club under the lights, Noja went on to make her first Ladies European Tour (LET) cut at last week’s Saudi Ladies International, following a superb fight back after a disappointing first round, before ending her three-week desert swing on a high with her lowest LET total at the Aramco Team Series – Jeddah.
The 15-year-old carded an impressive bogey-free 69 in today’s final round at Royal Greens Golf & Counry Club to finish on six under par.
“It was definitely a wonderful week for me,” said Noja. “A six under par total is always going to be a score you are going to be proud of. There’s definitely some things I need to work on going forward, especially if I want to close that gap to the leading players, but, overall, I’m super pleased with myself. I gave myself some good opportunities and made use of some of them.
“In the last three weeks, I’ve made my pro debut at the Dubai Moonlight Classic, made the cut last week, and shot some low scores this week, it has been wonderful. I think over the last few weeks the confidence and assurance in myself has definitely grown.
“Making the cut at the Saudi Ladies International was probably the best experience as I had to fight so hard for it. It was a great learning experience, and I think I’ve managed to deliver, especially this week. There’s a lot of exciting things coming up so I can’t wait to develop some more.”
Noja’s decision to turn professional at such a young age was always going to raise some eyebrows, but after three solid outings on Tour, challenging a number of the game’s best, the youngster was given confirmation she made the right decision - not that she needed it.
“I don’t think I would have turned professional if I didn’t feel my game was ready to compete in these events, but it’s a really nice confirmation knowing I can,” she said. “Making the cut last week, especially with the injury, and then competing this week with some good golf, knowing I could possibly win if I have my ‘A’ game. It’s been a learning journey; I’m excited to see where it takes me.”
With competitive golf over for Noja until 2022, what plans does she have for the off-season?
“It’s been a busy a couple of weeks, but weeks that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed,” she said. “I am looking forward to getting a few days of rest and developing my off season programme. I am still a schoolgirl so I need to get into that rhythm again, and enjoy the time off. I’m also going to flying back to England for a week to see some coaches and work om some stuff. It’s an exciting time.”
