A Ram Choi grew up playing soccer, but her transition into golf during high school has served her well. Choi, who played at the University of Washington prior to transferring to Portland State in 2012, has welcomed the independence of the sport while also embracing the team component of what she calls her new family.
“Golf [is] so different [from soccer],” Choi said. “It’s so much about you—it’s so individual…I like that part. I like the thrill that it gives me when I get birdie, and I am competing well.”
Choi began her collegiate career as a Huskie, but after one season realized that she was ready to live farther from her hometown of Surrey, British Columbia, in order to challenge herself to become more self-reliant. She adds jokingly that the rain in Washington made it difficult to find the motivation to get outside and practice.
While Oregon may not be known for its sunny weather, either, Choi has certainly found the motivation to work on her game. The sophomore has been a major contributor for the Vikings ever since she got to Portland, and recently earned her fourth Big Sky Golfer of the Week award after her performance at the Wyoming Cowgirl Classic last week.
She and her teammates battled strong winds in the first two rounds of competition there, but Choi was able to come back strong in the third round to shoot 77-73-71 – 221 for a five-over-par second-place finish. Her performance helped the Vikings place third as a team at the event—the best of all the Big Sky schools in attendance.
“I am proud of the way she played last week,” head coach Kathleen Takaishi said. “During the second and third round[s] she got off to a rough start, but was able to make some birdies and finish with a good score.”
Choi’s 75.03 average so far this season is currently on pace to break the PSU record for scoring average, and she leads the team with 69 birdies.
“Her strength is her ball striking,” Takaishi said. “She hits a lot of greens, and her ball control is very good. Her course management has improved dramatically this year. She plays smarter, which has helped her scores become more consistent.”
At the Cowgirl Classic, Choi proved her ability to keep her cool under pressure, a talent she said she picked up from her father.
“My biggest inspiration is my dad, off the green and on the golf course,” Choi said. “He doesn’t get frustrated or mad…he knows how to compose himself. I want to learn to be like that.”
Having grown up in a musical family, Choi enjoys practicing guitar and piano when she is not on the course. She hopes to continue her golf career after college, and is working on a degree in arts and letters with a desire to go into education.
This weekend, Choi and the rest of the golf team will be focused on getting closer to their goal of going to nationals together. The Vikings head off to the Big Sky Conference Championships on Sunday in Chandler, Ariz.