Rianne, Asterisk renew rivalry

BANDON, Oregon — Rianne Malixi just keeps making statements — and Tuesday’s was loud and clear.

The 18-year-old Filipina star fired a near-flawless 5-under 67 at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort to share medalist honors at the 125th US Women’s Amateur Championship, reminding everyone why she’s one of the most exciting young players in the game today.

It was a wild scoring day on the Oregon coast — sunny skies, barely a breeze, and pin placements that practically begged for birdies. But while others rode the wave, Malixi looked like she was built for it.

Paired with a first-round 68, her 9-under-par 135 total tied her with fellow teen standout Asterisk Talley, the 16-year-old American she faced — and defeated — in two USGA finals last year. Their rivalry? Still very much alive. Their talent? Undeniable.

“That’s a long time ago,” Malixi said with a smile, when told she was the first defending champion to earn medalist honors since Beth Daniel in 1976. But history clearly likes her company.

The Duke-bound freshman had just two bogeys over 36 holes — the second coming late in her round at No. 8. But she bounced right back, getting up-and-down for birdie at the par-5 ninth to close strong and share the top spot.

“I was looking at the morning scores and there were some pretty low scores out there,” Malixi said. “But I was expecting the wind to pick up in the afternoon. Instead, it got warmer, so my ball actually flew further than what I expected. I think, give or take, it was a good setup for me, so I took advantage of it.”

That’s saying a lot, considering her season has been up and down due to back issues that sidelined her from several major spring events. But on a perfect day at Bandon, Malixi looked healthy, confident, and in full control.

While some players lit up the leaderboard — Canada’s Vanessa Borovilos fired a tournament-record 63 but still wasn’t medalist — it was Malixi’s calm, calculated approach that stood out. No fireworks needed, just elite-level golf.

Talley, who recently won the Junior PGA Championship, carded a 66 of her own to join Malixi at the top. “Nothing new,” she joked when told Rianne was also medalist. Their respect for each other is clear. Their competitive fire? Also clear.

As match play begins, Malixi now shifts from stroke play to one-on-one showdowns — a format she thrives in, as shown by last year’s titles at both the US Girls’ Junior and US Women’s Amateur.

For now, though, she’s earned her spot at the top — again. And if her game continues like this, don’t be surprised if the name Rianne Malixi keeps popping up all week long.