Wenyi Ding has decided to leave college and skip two major golf tournaments in 2025 to become a professional on the DP World Tour.
After winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur at Taiheiyo Club in Japan, where he beat Ziqin Zhou by one stroke with four rounds of 67 (-3), Ding made this big decision. His victory came after a thrilling finish, sinking a birdie putt on his 71st hole to secure the win, just a year after losing to Jasper Stubbs in a playoff.
Ding’s recent success means he could have played at The Masters and The Open Championship in 2025, but he’s choosing another path. He’ll join the DP World Tour right away through the Global Amateur Pathway route. This program began in June and gives one tour card to the best non-collegiate golfer who turns 20 before year’s end. Ding is still eligible since he’s currently 19 but will turn 20 soon.
Turning Pro: A Bold Move
Fans might think it’s risky for him to give up those big tournaments for now. But Ding had an amazing first year at ASU, where legends like Phil Mickelson once played. In his second event there, he won by nine strokes with a record score of 27-under! Plus, he got three more top-five finishes and won the Southern Amateur in July.
Even before his Japan win, Ding told Golf Digest he’d go pro regardless of what happened at the Asia-Pacific Amateur. He believed starting his career strong was better than waiting months for possible one-time opportunities.
He shared how tough this choice was: “I talked with my coaches, friends, and agent about it,” he said. “It’s really hard for young players to get a tour card.” Yet he felt this pathway was too good to pass up.
Ding knows missing The Masters and The Open is huge but hopes he’ll qualify again someday: “[Hopefully], I can get in [those two majors] by myself.” His goal is to learn as a pro while aiming high—making cuts and trying to win whenever possible.
During an interview with Amanda Renner after his latest win, Ding revealed how much pressure he felt knowing it was his last amateur event: “If I play badly then I probably lose my card for the DP World Tour,” he admitted emotionally.
He follows Christo Lamprecht’s footsteps—a South African golfer who turned pro after winning The Amateur Championship but lost out on playing at some majors later on.
So what do you think? Is Wenyi making the right choice?
