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see also: Wenyi Ding
Even though Ding is set to give up his exemptions, he is confident he will make it back to the majors as a professional
Wenyi Ding, one of China's rising stars in amateur golf, has made the bold decision to turn pro immediately, forgoing exemptions into two of the game's most prestigious tournaments—the Open Championship and The Masters. Ding's victory at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship secured him a spot in both events, contingent on remaining an amateur. However, he is opting to take advantage of the DP World Tour status he has earned through the Global Amateur Pathway, following a route designed to give non-collegiate amateurs a springboard into professional golf.
Ding’s victory at the Taiheiyo Club in Gotemba, Japan, was the culmination of a stellar amateur career. He carded four consecutive rounds of 67, finishing 12-under and edging out fellow Chinese golfer Ziqin Zhou by a single stroke. The triumph avenged his narrow defeat in 2023, where he lost in a playoff to Jasper Stubbs. With a birdie on the 71st hole, Ding sealed the win and the title that could have opened doors to golf's grandest stages.
However, Ding confirmed after the victory that he would stick to his pre-tournament plan to turn professional, a decision that was not made lightly. In an interview with Golf Digest before the event, the former Arizona State University golfer explained that the opportunity to begin his professional career outweighed the allure of competing in two Majors. "I was really struggling with this decision. I talked with my coaches, friends, and agent. It’s hard to get a tour card as a young player, and this was probably my best chance," Ding shared.
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The 19-year-old's decision closes one door but opens another. He will now join the DP World Tour, an avenue opened to him via the Global Amateur Pathway, a relatively new system launched in June. This initiative is designed for non-collegiate amateurs under 20 years old, offering a tour card to the top-ranked golfer who meets the criteria. Ding’s win in Japan solidified his position atop this pathway, making him eligible to take the leap into the professional ranks.
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