Choi takes Professional Plunge.
If, as the song goes, any time is a good time but now is the right time, then for Doey Choi, the time is right now.
Choi played her final round as an amateur in last week’s Australian Amateur Championships at Kooyonga on Friday. Tomorrow she will make her debut in the pro ranks at Corowa Golf Club in the inaugural Murray Regional Open.
It’s been quite a journey through the amateur ranks for the Concord GC champ, who announced herself to fans of the sport in 2014 when as a 14-year-old, she claimed the NSW Women’s Amateur Championship.
Since then she has secured titles across Australia and overseas, including the 2019 NZ Amateur Crown as well as representing Australia on several occasions.
“It feels like I was an amatuer for such a long time,” the always bubbly Choi smiled when asked about the timing of the decision.
I couldn’t do the same thing as last year, which was basically sitting around at home and doing nothing,”
“Plus I have all these regional events.”
Choi hasn’t decided when she will head to the US, saying she hoped to try her luck qualifying for the US Women’s Open.
“I’ve got a start in the TPS at Bonnie Doon, Braith Anasta’s tournament, then hopefully I will head overseas to go to Q-School in America.”
“I’ve got a friend I can stay with, and there is an Open Pre-Q near his place, but with everything going on with COVID Virus, I will likely go just before Q-School in August.
Choi admitted it feels like a fresh start in the pay-for-play ranks, and as the new kid on the block, her expectations for the week are a little tempered.
“I’m basically a rookie again.
“It feel’s strange, but I’m looking forward to it.
“Especially after last year, I am really motivated to kick start my pro career in a good way.
“I want to play as much as I can, do my best. Hopefully, by the end of the year, I can get status on a tour somewhere,” she grinned.
