It is undeniably saddening to see an athlete meet an unfortunate end. Sadly, just last week, the golf world witnessed that when the heartbreaking news of Grayson Murray passing away on May 25 after pulling out of the Charles Schwab Challenge came to light. Fast forward almost a week later, and the community has been hit with yet another tragic death: that of Australian golfer Vale Doey Choi, the athlete who was crowned the Queensland Women’s Amateur Champion in 2018.

Golf Australia, along with the WPGA Tour of Australasia and the PGA of Australia, conveyed their sadness over the pro’s passing. They also expressed their condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and loved ones while offering support to the community: “Doey was a tremendous player and highly valued member of the golf community, who will be remembered for her bright personality and incredible talent.”

The athlete’s family, following her passing, also issued a statement expressing their sadness. They also expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support they received following her death, as they remembered the late Doey Choi. “Our family is heartbroken beyond belief. Doey brought light and joy into our lives with her radiant smile and bubbly personality. Her presence was a blessing to all who knew her. We are deeply grateful for the support we have received from friends and the wider golfing community during this incredibly difficult time. Doey will be forever in our hearts and sorely missed.”

The 24-year-old was reportedly riding on a motorcycle with friend William Brown, aged 26, as part of a motorcycle convoy en route to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in inner Sydney when the accident that caused her death happened. A car allegedly turned at the intersection of Hume Highway and Worth Street in Greenacre in front of the two-wheeler around 7 p.m. on Tuesday. The collision between the two vehicles propelled the two riders several meters across the road.

“Neither (drivers) should have been on the road,” stated NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden while alluding to the accident, as Brown was reportedly a provisional rider who shouldn’t have had a pillion passenger. The car driver was apparently in critical condition and was rushed to Westmead Hospital, while such was not the case with the athlete and her friend. Although the paramedics rushed to treat the duo, the golfer and her friend were sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Vale Doey Choi and her notable career in golf

Born in 2000, the athlete has had an eye-catching career as an amateur golfer. She was a member of the 2018 NSW Women’s Team and had also scored a career-low round of -6 at the 2019 Australian Ladies Classic while finishing T4. Choi was also crowned the NSW Women’s Amateur Champion back in 2014. One year later, she added another win under her belt with the the Queensland Women’s Amateur.

2018 was arguably the most successful year for the Australian golfer. Aside from becoming the Queensland Women’s Amateur Champion, she also won the South Australian Women’s Amateur Champion title. Moreover, the athlete had also finished T2 at the IMG Academy Junior World Championship, the NSW Amateur, and the Low Amateur in the ALPG Canberra Classic, while placing T3 at the Avondale Amateur. Since turning pro in 2021 Choi was yet to grab her first pro win.

It is no doubt too soon that Choi was taken; however, she will be far from forgotten. Through her accolades, she leaves behind a legacy to live up to, and through the wholesome life she’s led, she leaves behind memories for both her loved ones and the golf world that will perhaps never be forgotten. We extend our heartfelt prayers and love to her family and friends!