Wenyi Ding secured a major victory on Sunday at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, following his win at the USGA’s 2022 U.S. Junior Amateur at Bandon Dunes. He shot four consecutive rounds of 3-under 67 to clinch the title by one shot over Ziqin Zhou from China. Ding, ranked fifth in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, earned exemptions into the 2025 Masters and 2025 Open Championship with this victory, but he’s considering passing on them.
Why is he leaning towards turning pro? Ding is likely aiming to secure his DP World Tour card before the year ends.
“Before I played this, I can’t imagine I’m guarantee(d) to win this tournament,” Ding said Sunday. “So, I don’t know. It’s a problem. I think more likely I should take the card.”
When asked when this transition might happen, Ding stated that it could be as soon as next week.
Wenyi Ding of China lifts the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship trophy after winning the 2024 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship being played at the Taiheiyo Club in Gotemba, Japan on Sunday 6 October 2024. Photograph by AAC.
Ding, currently the No. 1 in the Global Amateur Pathway ranking, withdrew from Arizona State and is on track to turn 20 in November, making him eligible for the DP World Tour card. Despite receiving an exemption into major championships like the Masters and The Open as the Asia-Pacific Amateur winner, Ding is confident he will access these events in the future whether as an amateur or professional.
Last year, Ding lost in a playoff at the Asia-Pacific Amateur but redeemed himself this year with a noteworthy victory. Reflecting on past missed opportunities, Ding remains uncertain about his future regrets but is focused on the professional opportunities awaiting him.
Whether Ding will compete in major championships remains to be seen, as he contemplates his transition to professional golf.
