A trio of the biggest names in this week’s Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by Public Investment Fund have backed Dubai-based sensation Chiara Noja’s decision to turn professional in recent weeks.
Defending Saudi Ladies International and Aramco Team Series champion, Emily Kristine Pedersen, former World No.1 Lydia Ko, and the only Arabic golfer on the Ladies European Tour, Maha Haddioui, praised the youngster’s decision to turn pro at just 15.
“At 15, I was playing at a pretty high level on the amateur scene then two years later I turned pro and went to the LET Qualifying School,” said Pedersen. “It’s really good for Chiara to be on tour and get that experience of playing with great players. I’m really impressed.”
Two-time Major champion Ko, who won twice on the LPGA before turning pro at 16, praised Noja’s courage in switching to the professional ranks.
“This is a really cool place to be playing just your second professional event,” said Ko. “I’m sure there are still mixed emotions with nerves and excitement. She obviously believes in herself and her team believe in her, which is really exciting. Golf is a bit of a rollercoaster day by day, but they’re all learning experiences. For Chiara to have the courage to turn pro at that age, I think we’re all rooting for her and hoping she has a great professional career.”
Haddioui has seen Noja’s game first hand after playing with her at last year’s Dubai Desert Classic, and believes the youngster’s talent will help her overcome the initial nerves and expectation.
“When I was 15 I had only been playing for two years, so I was just having fun with the game,” said the Moroccan. “I’ve played with Chiara on two occasions, and she’s a really good player; I think she’s going to do just great. Obviously it’s not always easy when you just turn pro as there are a lot of nerves and expectation, plus the fact she is only 15. Hopefully she just takes on that naïve mindset to the course and just has fun with it. I’m sure she’ll do great as she’s got a great game.”
