Photo by Tristan Jones/LET
Of all the subplots at this week’s 15th Dubai Moonlight Classic, Chiara Noja’s decision to turn professional is the most intriguing. We caught up with the 15-year-old, Jumeirah Golf Estates-attached German ahead of her milestone moment at the €260,000 LET event.
It’s been a whirlwind since you landed in Dubai in October 2020. Take us back to what it was like to get last year’s invite into the Moonlight Classic?
It was a little unexpected. I didn’t expect to get it but it was definitely a great opportunity because it introduced me to a world that I had never really been aware of before. You sort of see it on TV or on Instagram, but being able to play in that was really good for me.
Some would say you are very young to be turning professional. You say?
I am not! Kidding. I guess I am younger than most but I feel like I am ready and prepared for it. I’d rather not miss out on some of the opportunities that I have been given and I’m really looking forward to whatever comes at me next.
What did you take out of that Moonlight Classic debut, the highs and the learning points?
Definitely the learning curve of it, developing that mental health aspect of golf. A lot of people think that just because you’re an athlete, you’re immune to it but you’re not. Especially golf because it is such an individual sport, you’re out there and you’re basically by yourself – the golf ball, the club and the hole – so if your mind and your thoughts aren’t in the right place, you’re definitely going to struggle. This year has involved a lot of confidence seeking, LET and LET access, trying to gain some confidence – which I have luckily.
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Share your tournament highlights since last year’s Moonlight Classic?
Definitely The Flander’s on the LET Access in Belgium. That was a great experience because it was my first time leading a professional tournament, going into that final fight and playing for the win. That was an amazing experience. Sadly I finished second, not the end of the world even though I was hoping for that title. Sweden is another great tournament and memory as well because I finished 8th and my game wasn’t at my best form but I fought my way through. The wind and weather were harsh too so going through that and securing those putts and making those up and downs was really great for me.
Has Covid-19 impacted your season and did it expedite your decision to turn to pro?
Yes, definitely, especially because I didn’t get to play the Junior Solheim Cup qualifiers, that was something I lost because of Covid. It’s nothing that I regret because I am looking forward to the stages that are to come.
How did you get into golf?
I was born in Berlin and moved to England in August of 2013, aged around seven. Both my parents were keen golfers so I grew up around the sport until one day I decided to give it a shot myself. But the love for the game really blossomed when I moved to England because I was surrounded by golf because my dad played a lot at that point. I guess I just learnt to love it.
Who is your coach and what are you working on presently?
I have different coaches to advise me on different things but you’re grinding away on everything. You’re never going to be perfect. My swing, I’m working on making everything more peaceful, especially because when you’re under pressure you don’t want to have any loose ends and not have things clicking at the wrong time. I’m definitely working on making things healthier because golf is very intense with the swing and body. I want to make sure my body is okay in 10-15 years to be able to deal with the sport.
Were you not tempted by the more traditional route to pro golf via college in the U.S.?
The U.S. collegiate system has never really been on my watch list… even two, three years ago I was never inclined to go study in the States. I have a German passport which means my university education is free for me and realistically speaking, I would never live in the U.S. if I wasn’t playing golf. So personally for me, there is no point in studying something that I will not have a career in later. I do have very strong academics so I can still go into whatever I want to. I have always been interested in law.
Are you being home-schooled now?
I go to a British curriculum secondary school in Dubai. My school has a great support system in place and have a golf program which means I get picked up earlier out of school. My whole timetable is arranged and caters for me being abroad and me studying and having to catch up. I have study sessions integrated into my day with teacher support and online sessions and my lessons are recorded when I’m abroad, so it’s always a great support system to have. Especially with the support of my parents who are two very intelligent individuals. I can definitely rely on them for support as well.
Your goal for your maiden event as pro?
I think for me I don’t want to go in with too many expectations. Go into it present and level-headed and focusing on whatever comes my way. I’m not trying to force anything. Just letting it happen and just chase whatever I can chase. The LPGA Tour is definitely going to be the goal but that will not happen for a few years because of my age. I’m too young for Q-school but maybe we can make things happen, but I definitely want to try and get my first professional win in. That would be very cool for me. I think it is also important for me to just develop as a golfer, to grow and be ready for when I am ready to make that step into the LPGA or whatever. It’s important that I am secure in who I am.
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