WPGA Rookie Connie Chen

WPGA shines the spotlight on their newest member Connie Chen...

25th January, 2011

How did it feel to play your first round as a Pro?

I was a little nervous in the beginning being my first event as a Professional Golfer but I enjoyed it! It feels awesome knowing that you're getting a check after a good performance :)

How stressful is Q School? How many people are involved in getting into the various stages?

Q- School is very stressful because its different, you know that you can not have a bad week during Q-school because there is no next week, which makes the pressure more intense.

I played the Pre-Qualifying which is 4 days, and top 70 get through to final stage out of 165 people. I qualified for Final Q-School which is 5 days, after 4 days there is a cut at 50 and ties who get into the last day. And on top of all that the wind was insane and it was FREEZING COLD.

Did you get in a playoff and how did that go?

I was T30 at Finals Q-school after 5 rounds and was in a 4 way playoff for 1 spot, I was knocked out when 2 girls birdied on the second playoff hole.

What card did you get?

I got a 9b card

Where are you going to play this year?

I will be playing full time on the LET Tour

How long do you think our amateurs should wait before turning Pro?

As a wise girl once told me follow your heart, will know if you are ready, if its what you really want, all you dream about, go for it!

How will you stay calm knowing you can get called up to play?

Oh, I'm not that calm (she laughs). I'm pretty eager to get out there! But I have a regular program and schedule that includes going to the range and the gym to work on both fitness and weight training. I'm a small, thin girl so I'm always focussed in putting on mass.

Who travels with you and who do you have supporting you?

Either of my parents travel with me, depending on who has the time.

My parents are strong support, as well as Gavan Levenson - my Golf Coach and Steven Buhr on my mental side of the game.

I have worked with Sandra Winter for physical training and Val Holland because I was in the SA Squad last year and The SA Squad trained at Kenako.

Good luck Connie!