Chiara Noja. Photo by Tristan Jones/LET
By Kent Gray
What did Chiara Noja take away from her maiden round as a professional, other than a thoroughly acceptable score of 73? Golf’s most precious commodity, the belief that she belongs.
The 15-year-old, Dubai-based German is the star character in the most intriguing subplot at this week’s Dubai Moonlight Classic. Her opening round on the Faldo could have been better but more importantly, she did not look overawed in any sense despite her one-over debut.
“To be honest, this is the most relaxed I’ve been in a long time, I went out there, tried to focus on the game. I had a great time and really didn’t think too much about the pressure of pro,” Noja said after mixing three bogeys and a double drop on the par 3 12th with four birdies.
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“I made it a little bit difficult for myself at times, lots of birdies but a couple of unnecessary bogeys but the course was incredible, and the greens were great. I loved it.
“I had some really good shots; I was at two-under at some point and lost it a little bit but I had a great time.”
The real beauty of Dubai’s annual LET event, other than being in her adopted home, is that there is no cut so Noja will bank two more precious learning experiences. The goal for those final 36 holes?
“A couple more birdies, less unnecessary bogeys… same mentality and staying in the right head space.”
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