In a high-stakes final match at the U.S. Women’s Amateur, Rianne Malixi and Asterisk Talley faced off against each other after previously contending in the U.S. Girls’ Junior final just a month prior. Although Malixi had won easily in the previous tournament, this match was different as it was for the prestigious U.S. Women’s Amateur title, making it a bigger stage for the talented teenagers.
Typically, the final match at the U.S. Women’s Amateur consists of 36 holes played on Sunday, but due to an impending storm, Malixi and Talley played their first 18 holes on Saturday afternoon. Talley took an early lead of 1-up, which she held onto until Sunday. Despite the back and forth nature of the match, Malixi’s three consecutive birdies on the back nine gave her a significant advantage, ultimately leading to her victory with a score of 3 and 2.
Malixi credits her win to her practice regimen, which involved treating the last six holes of a round as if they were the final four. Her ability to maintain her composure and make crucial birdie putts under pressure ultimately secured her victory. By winning the championship, Malixi became the fourth woman to win two USGA titles in the same year, following in the footsteps of Eun-Jeong Seong in 2016.
For Talley, who spoke humbly about her experience after the match, this was just the beginning of what looks to be a promising career. At only 15 years old, Talley’s talent and potential are evident, as she became the first player to compete in three USGA championship finals in the same year. While she may have fallen short in this particular tournament, Talley’s youth gives her the advantage of time to continue honing her skills and pursuing future opportunities in the sport.
In a moment of reflection, Talley expressed gratitude for the experience of competing in her first U.S. Women’s Amateur and reaching the final match. Despite her young age, Talley’s impressive track record in various USGA championships highlights her potential for future success on a similar stage. Malixi’s win not only solidified her status as a rising star in the world of women’s golf but also served as a reminder of the bright future ahead for young talents like Talley, who have the opportunity to continue making their mark on the sport in the years to come.
