Rianne Malixi, honing her skills for a rare chance of playing at Augusta National, kicked off her Sage Valley Invitational Juniors with a one-over-par 73 on Thursday for a share of third place.

Malixi, 16, is hoping to acquire enough impetus to propel her game next week in the fifth Augusta National Women's Amateurs.

A made cut there would enable her to play at the hallowed grounds of Augusta National which will host The Masters next month.

But a title at nearby Sage Valley won't be bad.

She is just three shots away from leader, Asterisk Talley of the United States who posted a 70. Meja Ortengren of Sweden is at second place with 72.

Joining Malixi at third are Thai Eila Galitzky and German Helen Briem. Only the top 24 female junior golfers are invited in the South Carolina meet.