World No. 5 amateur Rianne Malixi is heading into the 80th US Women’s Open with a familiar face by her side — Carmen Fletcher from Alabama State University. And no, this isn’t just any caddie-player pairing. These two have a winning history.
Their partnership began at the 2024 US Girls’ Junior, when the USGA assigned Carmen to carry Rianne’s bag. They didn’t know it then, but that week turned out to be special — Rianne took home the title. A few weeks later, she called on Carmen again for the U.S. Women’s Amateur. The result? Another big win.
It’s no surprise, then, that Rianne has asked Carmen to join her once more— this time at the biggest stage of all: the US Women’s Open, set for 29 May to 1 June at Erin Hills Golf Course in Wisconsin. It’s the first time the iconic venue will host the championship, and these two are ready to make the most of it.
From being randomly paired to forming a bond built on trust and back-to-back titles, Rianne and Carmen are proving that some connections are just meant to be.