It’s the perfect position for Doey Choi to be in. The standout performer from last year’s Geoff King Motors Australian Ladies Classic has everything to play for and nothing to lose when the gun goes off tomorrow morning at Bonville Golf Resort.
A tied 4th finish in 2019 put Choi firmly in the spotlight, and as she contemplates a professional career later this year, it remains an important checkpoint in her career.
“I want to play professionally, and the chance to play in tournaments like this with the professionals is really important to working out what level my game is at,” she said.
“Playing well last year, and especially for all four days, was a big achievement and something I’m proud of.
“When I had 66 in the first round it came as a bit of a shock but to keep playing well the rest of the week with the cameras on me and all the attention – I was really happy with that.”
Choi is no stranger to the Bonville layout having played the annual Jack Newton Junior Golf Bonville Champions Trophy several times.
The course has always been one of her favourites and ahead of this year’s tournament that is a source of some comfort.
“I feel like I have a bit of pressure this week because I played so well last year,” she says.
“But I’m really excited to go out and play. I love the golf course and have been coming here for a long time and always seem to play well.
“It fits my eye, and now, especially after last year, I have a good memory to call on from pretty much every tee.”
Choi says she is a goal setter and has some targets for the week but not in the way many might think.
“I don’t aim to finish top five or make the cut or those sorts of things,” she says.
“I set more small goals and targets like sticking to my pre-shot routine and staying with my game plan.
“If I can do those one per cent things well then that’s all I can control. If I’m happy with how I’ve done all those and I finish 25th then so be it, I’ll still be happy with my performance.”
Choi said she hasn’t played for a couple of weeks after the Asia Pacific Women’s Amateur, which was to be played in Thailand February 12-15, was cancelled because of the spread of Coronavirus.
But she is unfazed by the lack of tournament play.
“Sometimes after a break, you come back playing really well, and I had a practice round yesterday that was really good,” she said.
“I just think I’m comfortable with the course and that really helps a lot. Now I’m just excited to get the week underway.
“I’m really looking forward to it.”