Malixi vaults to World No. 5 after back-to-back USGA wins
MANILA, Philippines – Three days after becoming only the second player to win back-to-back USGA championships, Rianne Malixi soared to new heights, climbing to World No. 5 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.
Her recent victory at the US Women’s Amateur, where she defeated the same opponent she triumphed over in the US Girls’ Junior last month, propelled her from No. 12 to No. 5, with an average of 1191.1809 points.
This achievement marks the highest ranking ever reached by a Filipina golfer. With the stars aligning for the 17-year-old rising star, it seems only a matter of time before she ascends to the top of the world amateur rankings.
England’s Lottie Woad continues to lead with an average of 1339.3273 points, followed by Spain’s Julie Lopez Ramirez at 1307.1521, Korea’s Minsol Kim at 1282.2250, and Zoe Campos of the US at 1202.1809.
Malixi's ascent began with her impressive performance at the US Girls’ Junior, where she surged from No. 19 to No. 12 after defeating Asterisk Talley 8&7. She became the second Filipina to win this event, joining Princess Superal, who won in 2014.
But Malixi set a record with the largest winning margin in the championship's history.
Following a fourth-place finish at the European Ladies Amateur Championship, she clinched the US Women’s Amateur title, once again besting Talley in a thrilling 36-hole match with a dramatic 3&2 victory.
“It’s amazing, it was surreal,” Malixi told Golf Channel about her back-to-back victories. “Winning two USGA events is such a huge achievement. Being the first player from the Philippines to earn these titles means the world to me. It’s an honor to represent the Philippine flag.”
Reflecting on her success, Malixi is motivated to continue striving for excellence.
“Achieving something major drives me to work harder and become a better player. I’m committed to grinding and improving,” she said.
Malixi attributes her success to rigorous training and a competitive mindset. “Training with a professional in match play for 36 holes, similar to the US Women’s Amateur, helped me immensely,” she explained.
As she embraces the spotlight of being an emerging superstar, Malixi remains focused on continuous improvement. “When I return to the Philippines, I’ll keep training and refining my game. I hope to be ready for the bigger stage,” she said.
The prospect of turning professional is on the horizon, but Malixi remains grounded.
“Every tournament I enter, my goal is to win. Competing against top professionals like Nelly Korda is a dream, and I’m working hard to make that happen,” she said.
Before turning professional, Malixi plans to attend college. She has committed to Duke University, starting in the fall of 2025.
“Duke is an incredible university with a strong program and a welcoming atmosphere. It felt like home,” Malixi said of her decision. “I love the campus, the coaches, and the team. Those factors were crucial in my choice.”
With her remarkable talent, unwavering mental strength and tireless dedication, Malixi is poised for continued success, no matter which path she takes in her promising career.
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