If it’s not already, put the name Hye-jin Choi in your little black book of golfing talent.
In big, bold letters.
Choi, 17, completed a staggering tour of Australia by lifting the Silver Salver as low amateur in today’s ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open.
It capped a remarkable month in which she won the Australian Amateur Championship and finished second in the New South Wales Amateur and fifth in the Oates Vic Open.
After winning the national title to qualify, the world No.4 amateur vowed to improve on her T38 finish at The Grange in last year’s Open.
She did that in spades, carding rounds of 71-72-73-71 to finish at five under and in a share of seventh place.
Remarkably, the 17-year-old was one of just four players to shoot par or better in each round – underlining even further her burgeoning credentials against the world’s best.
“I was happy to take part in the tournament again and my goal was to get better than last year,” Choi said through an interpreter.
“I had some disappointing moments, but I’m very satisfied with my tournament and score.
“It has been a good trip. I’m very proud (of my achievements), thank you. I look forward to coming back in the future.”
Choi was one of just two amateurs to make the cut, with another highly regarded youngster, Taiwan’s Heather Lin, finishing 11 over in second place.
Lin was one of a group of impressive young Swinging Skirts players to take part in the tournament.