Chiara Noja's pro journey is off to a solid start

Photo by Tristan Jones

By Kent Gray
Sometimes scores alone don’t do the full, momentous occasion justice.

That was the case for Chiara Noja after the Jumeirah Golf Estates-attached 15-year-old finished the 15th Dubai Moonlight Classic presented by EGA, her first event as a professional, T-47th.

Even though Noja finished above just eight other players, the German teen was comfortable with her week’s work.

“A journey,” was how Noja succinctly summed up her rounds of 73-72-75.

“I think I played a lot better than I scored over the last three days. I struggled a little bit converting those opportunities. I can’t walk off it too disappointed though, it was my first one.”

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It is understood Noja is headed to King Abdullah Economic City for the 2nd Saudi Ladies International this week. She’ll go armed with many lessons learned on the Faldo at Emirates Golf Club.

“The game changes from one day to another so I can’t expect to wake up and become Nelly Korda…” Noja said.

“But I am in a better place that I was previously. I do need to work on certain aspects of my game heading into the next few tournaments but I’m pretty positive. I can score and transitioning back into tournament golf especially back here on the LET, It is a little bit of added pressure, but I’ve dealt with that pretty well.”

“I’ve done a good job making sure I’m in the right headspace and keeping my cool out there. I handled some of the situations out there today really well.

“I’m flying out in two days and going to do some practice on course. It’s going to be a transition because it will be during the day and not night golf. A little bit of practice here and there and course strategy and see how the game develops.”