Dubai’s teen sensation Chiara Noja is set for the next chapter in her short, but highly impressive career, when she makes her LPGA debut later this evening at the Shoprite LPGA Classic in New Jersey.
Noja, who made the move to Dubai in 2021, made headlines around the world by winning her first Ladies European Tour (LET) title in November at age of 16 at the Aramco Team Series – Jeddah, overcoming Charley Hull in a play-off at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.
That victory came shortly after the German-born star had secured her playing privileges on the LET through the Ladies European Tour Access Series, and she has gone on to enjoy a stellar maiden season on Europe’s No.1 female circuit. The 17-year-old currently sits in fifth spot on the season-long Race to Costa Del Sol Rankings, boasting seven top-15 finishes in 2023 on the LET, including a runner-up and a third-place finish.
That form saw her catch the eye of the organisers of the ShopRite LPGA Classic, who reached out to grant Noja one of three sponsor exemptions in the field alongside rising University of Florida senior Maisie Filler and Philadelphia Cricket Club LPGA Teaching Professional Meaghan Francella at Seaview.
“I think this is an amazing opportunity for me career-wise, but also as a learning experience,” said Noja, who will join the likes of Paula Creamer, Brooke Henderson and Lexi Thompson, all who made their professional debuts on the LPGA Tour as sponsor exemptions at the ShopRite LPGA Classic.
“It’s my first time on the LPGA, so i’m really, really excited to get the week started.”
The elite 144-player field is headlined by World No. 1 Jin Young Ko, who has recorded two victories and five top-10 finishes overall in seven events in 2023.
Joining Ko in headlining the field include several of the world’s top-ranked players, including Atthaya Thitikul, defending champion Brooke Henderson, Major champion Georgia Hall and Hyo Joo Kim; past champions Mel Reid, Annie Park , In Kyung Kim, two-time winners Anna Nordqvist and Stacy Lewis , and Angela Stanford.
