Defending champion Rianne Malixi showcased her trademark grit and determination, finishing her round with three consecutive birdies to post a one-over-par 74 at the Women’s Australian Master of the Amateurs tournament at the Southern Golf Club in Victoria, Australia on Friday.

The 17-year-old world No. 3 amateur struggled early on, battling an inconsistent swing that led to a rocky front nine.

Malixi bogeyed the second and third holes, momentarily steadied herself with a birdie on the fourth, but faltered again, dropping three strokes over the next four holes to close the front nine at 4-over.

“She encountered some issues early in the round,” said her father, Roy Malixi. “The ball kept veering left, but she was able to make the necessary adjustments in time.”

The adjustments paid off on the back nine. Malixi birdied the par-5 11th, but another bogey on the 14th left her at 4-over.

Refusing to let the round slip away, she mounted a late charge, firing birdies on the 16th, 17th, and 18th holes to climb to a share of 13th spot.

Malixi’s resilient finish not only salvaged her round but also underscored the mental toughness that has become a hallmark of her game, positioning her as a contender in the prestigious amateur event.

Julianna Go, the other Filipino entry, struggled with a 79, her round marred by six bogeys and a double bogey against two birdies.

Five Australians filled up the first five positions, led by Sarah Hammett who fired an eagle and five birdies against a lone bogey for a 68.

Ella Scaysbrook and Raegan Denton tied for second with identical 70s, one shot ahead of Celine Chen and Gracie Larsen.

The highest-ranked non-Australian was Korean Hyojin Yang who carded a 72.