Erin Hills, Wisconsin — In a pairing that promises fireworks and inspiration, Filipina teen golf sensation Rianne Malixi will tee off alongside major champions Yuka Saso and Lydia Ko in one of the most anticipated groupings at the 80th U.S. Women’s Open Championship, which begins Thursday at Erin Hills.

This featured flight brings together three generations of talent, prestige, and power — with each player entering the week carrying impressive accolades.

Malixi, just 18 years old, comes into the tournament as the reigning U.S. Women’s Amateur and U.S. Girls’ Junior champion — a rare double that marks her as one of the most exciting amateurs in the world. This week at Erin Hills is her U.S. Women’s Open debut, and it comes after a grueling battle with a back injury that sidelined her for months.

“To be able to play again and at the U.S. Women’s Open is huge for me,” Malixi said in an earlier interview. “I’m very grateful and honored.”

Joining her is Yuka Saso, the defending U.S. Women’s Open champion, whose historic 2021 victory at The Olympic Club — while representing the Philippines — made her the first Filipino to win a major golf championship. Now competing under the Japanese flag, Saso returns to the tournament that changed her life with a target on her back and a legacy already in the books.

Rounding out the group is Lydia Ko, the two-time major champion and 2016 Olympic gold medalist for New Zealand, whose global profile and storied career make her one of the most respected figures in women’s golf.

Together, the trio brings a compelling blend of youthful ambition, defending pride, and veteran mastery — a group that will undoubtedly attract fans and media throughout the opening rounds.

For Malixi, a full-circle moment

After withdrawing mid-round at the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship in March due to sharp back pain and missing the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in April, Malixi’s presence this week is more than symbolic — it’s a hard-earned milestone.

Her recovery included intensive rehab in Australia, where she worked with a physiotherapist and biomechanist to rebuild strength and refine her movement.

“It’s been tough, but being back reminds me why I love this game,” Malixi said. “I’m not setting goals. I’m here to enjoy the moment and learn.”

The U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills is known for its sprawling fairways, undulating greens, and penal rough — a stern test for even the most seasoned players. For Malixi, every swing is part of the learning curve and a step forward in what many see as a long and promising career.

Philippines well-represented

With both Malixi and Saso in the field, Filipino golf fans have more than one reason to cheer this week.

Saso, whose switch to the Japanese flag in 2022 stirred mixed emotions in the Philippines, still carries the weight of her 2021 win as a Filipino — a moment etched in the country’s sporting history.

Meanwhile, Malixi represents the next wave of Filipino talent, walking proudly in the footsteps of those before her — including veteran Dottie Ardina, also competing at Erin Hills this week.

A flight to watch

As play gets underway Thursday, all eyes will be on this star-studded group. With a teenage amateur, a reigning champion, and an Olympic gold medalist sharing the fairways, fans are in for a showcase of skill, resilience, and the spirit of women’s golf at its finest.

Whether Malixi contends or simply soaks in the experience, her presence in this flight is a clear signal: the next generation has arrived — and they’re ready.