Rianne's Resurgence Gathers Pace

Aichi, Japan: For Rianne Malixi, 2026 has certainly been a comeback year with the Filipina talent putting together a string of fine results on the US collegiate circuit and at international events.

Much had been expected of Malixi following her stunning victories in the US Women’s Amateur and US Girls’ Junior in 2024, which catapulted her to third place in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).

However, a back injury forced her into a sparse season last year and – despite a runner-up individual finish at the World Amateur Team Championships for the Espirito Santo Trophy – she fell to 21st in the WAGR standings at the end of 2025.

A healthy Malixi has returned to form this year, highlighted by one collegiate win and a joint third finish at the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific in New Zealand in February.

Malixi’s resurgence continued into last week’s golf event at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi, Japan, when she finished tied fifth at Kasugai Country Club in a strong field that included some of the world’s leading professionals – headlined by silver medallist Yin Ruoning of China.

Mixing solid ball-striking with gritty recovery play, Malixi carded rounds of 71, 66, 71 and 66 for a six-under 274 total at Kasugai’s strategically-challenging East Course. She is currently ranked 10th in the WAGR and will move up when the latest rankings are released.

“I wasn’t happy with the first and third day. I left a lot of shots out there, but I hit a couple of shots that really exceeded my expectations, that I didn’t really expect to hit. I think there are goods and bads, but I’m really happy with this week,” said 19-year-old Malixi.

This was Malixi’s second Asian Games outing, following the 19th edition three years ago in China when she finished 11th.

“I was 16 in my first Asian Games, so I’ve definitely grown a lot, and I’m really happy that I’ve been given this opportunity to compete again and represent my country. It was wonderful to be in Japan. It’s a nice country and the courses are great. I’m with good company with the Philippines squad, so I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” said Malixi, who will be in her sophomore year with Duke University when she returns to the United States.