Rianne Malixi made her long-awaited debut on one of golf’s biggest stages at the Amundi Evian Championship on Thursday, holding her own against the world’s elite but ultimately undone by a cold putter.

The 18-year-old Filipina amateur signed for a 3-over-par 74, placing her in the lower half of the leaderboard after the first round of the LPGA major in Évian-les-Bains, France.

Malixi looked comfortable in her ball-striking, averaging 259 yards off the tee while hitting 12 of 18 greens in regulation and missing just two fairways.

But despite giving herself numerous birdie chances, she was unable to convert, needing 32 putts to get through the round. Her only birdie came on the par-4 5th, but she gave away strokes with bogeys on Nos. 1, 2, 7, 15, and 17.

Malixi earned her Evian spot after a strong run in amateur events abroad, including victories in the US Women’s Amateur and US Junor Girls championships. and high finishes in prestigious LPGA qualifiers. Her invitation marks a significant milestone in her young career and a proud moment for Philippine golf.

While her debut round didn’t go as hoped, Malixi is looking to bounce back in the second round to make a push for the weekend cut — a feat that would be remarkable given the strength of the field and the pressure of her first major.

Stars shine at the top

At the other end of the leaderboard, Jennifer Kupcho surged to a 6-under-par 65 to grab a share of the lead in a crowded pack.

The 2022 Chevron Championship winner birdied the 17th and eagled the par-5 18th to finish strong and join Andrea Lee, Grace Kim, Gabriela Ruffels, and Leona Maguire atop the board.

Kupcho, a former NCAA champion and Solheim Cup star, hasn’t had a top-10 finish in a major since 2022 but appeared to have rediscovered her rhythm after a recent LPGA win in New Jersey. “I’m still not playing my best, but I know I can still win,” she said.

Maguire, Ireland’s top golfer, recorded one of the highlights of the day — a hole-in-one on the par-3 second, her 11th hole of the round. “Looked good in the air, but on that hole you’re never sure until it lands,” she said with a grin.

World No. 1 Nelly Korda fired a steady 67 to sit just two shots back, while Minjee Lee — winner of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship last month — made a late charge with four birdies in her last seven holes to card a 66, good for solo sixth.

Meanwhile England’s Charley Hull withdrew after collapsing during her first round reportedly due to a virus.

The 29-year-old twice collapsed on the fourth tee, her 13th hole, and was taken from the course on a medical cart.

The BBC reported her management team said she was “battling a virus” but is recovering well.

Hull had played the first 12 holes in one-under par.

The world number 19 has never won a major championship despite a series of near-misses, including three runner-up finishes.