Q: What a Spring! Big Sky player of the year for the third time in a row, competed at the NCAA Regionals, and won the 71st OGA Tournament of Champions. How do you manage it all?

A: Golf-wise, I try to make sure that my body can sustain that much golf and keep playing. I have been rehabbing my wrist with my trainer and working out with my team. I got lucky this quarter because I only have two classes.

Q: You came from 5 down to win the Big Sky and 6 down to win the TOC? How are you the comeback kid?

A: (Laughs) I don’t know. I think it’s because of my mentality. I don’t like to think about my score and what other people are shooting I just think about beating the golf course. That way I put less pressure on myself and forget that I’m behind.

Q: I have to ask: You wear some pretty cool hats, what’s the inspiration behind them?

A: I like to be a little different and not wear the same golf hats as everyone else. They are presents from my mom’s friends from Korea so wearing them in tournaments is a way to say thank you to them.

Q: You’re graduating this spring from Portland State.  What’s the best part of going to school in Portland?

A: Yes, if I pass these classes (laughs). I am graduating with a degree in Arts and Letters and a minor in Business.  I like that Portland State is right in the city and it’s easy to get around.  My favorite part of Portland is that it’s different.  Everyone is really nice and you get to experience a lot of different cultures in Portland.  I grew up in Korea and then moved to Canada (BC) in middle-ish school. They don’t have middle school in Canada (laughs).

Q: You finished 50th out of 96 players at the NCAA West Regional at Entrada at Snow Canyon in St. George, Utah, your best career finish at NCAA Regionals.  I know you missed qualifying for nationals, but how did you prepare for post-season golf?

A: Mostly resting and working a little bit on my game.  At this point it’s just having my fitness level high, because I played in so many tournaments.  (My dad and I) looked over the course on Google Earth and measured everything.

Q: What comes next for A Ram Choi? 

A: I don’t know.  If I don’t qualify for the US Women’s Amateur, I might turn pro in July.

Q: Will you be back to defend your OGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship?

A: Probably!  I like that tournament! (laughs)

Q: For younger players: How much practice does it take to be where you are?

A: It’s more of how much you love the game and are willing to put into the game.  When I was a junior golfer it was straight from school to the golf course.  You have to love it. 

Q: What’s your secret talent?

A: Music.  I can play seven different instruments: piano, guitar, violin, drums, flute, saxophone and trumpet.  My mom is my music teacher, she teaches piano. 

Q: Thanks for chatting with us Aram!

A: Thank you!

Aram Choi will be competing in the U.S. Women’s Open Sectional Qualifier at the OGA Golf Course in Woodburn, OR on June 2nd.  Follow A Ram and all the action at OGA.org.