The 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma saw an unprecedented match-up between two teenage golfers. Rianne Malixi, a 17-year-old from the Philippines, and Asterisk Talley, a 15-year-old from California, made history as the first duo to play against each other in both the U.S. Girls’ Junior final and the U.S. Women’s Amateur final. This unique occurrence, where the semifinals were played in the morning and the championship match in the afternoon due to weather, set the stage for an unforgettable day in the history of the United States Golf Association.
Both Malixi and Talley have had strong showings at USGA events, with a combined record of 26-1 in match play this year. Talley had recently lost to Malixi in the U.S. Girls’ Junior final, making their rematch in the U.S. Women’s Amateur even more compelling. Despite their young age, the duo had to navigate through tough competition and challenging courses to reach the championship final. Talley had the opportunity to become the third youngest player ever to win the U.S. Women’s Amateur, while Malixi was aiming to become only the second player to win both the U.S. Girls’ Junior and the U.S. Women’s Amateur in the same year.
The first 18 holes of the championship match saw a back-and-forth battle between Malixi and Talley at Southern Hills. Talley took an early lead with a birdie on the first hole, only to trail by two a few holes later. However, a strong performance from Talley on holes six onwards saw her take a 3-up lead at one point. Malixi fought back and managed to tie the match on the 16th hole, but Talley regained a 1-up lead heading into the final day.
As the championship match continues, the golfers will navigate changing course conditions due to overnight rains. The softer conditions may lead to more birdie opportunities, but Southern Hills is known for its challenging layout. The player who can stay calm and make the least amount of mistakes on Sunday will likely emerge victorious and claim the Robert Cox Trophy. The match is set to resume at 2:50 p.m. ET, with the Golf Channel airing coverage from 3-6 p.m. ET.
In the lead-up to the final stretch of the U.S. Women’s Amateur, both Malixi and Talley are focused on resting and preparing for the challenging day ahead. Talley plans to work on her swing in her hotel room, while Malixi aims to get some rest and refuel for the final day of competition. Despite the pressure of the situation, both players are determined to give their best and enjoy the experience of competing at such a high level at their young age.
The conclusion of the U.S. Women’s Amateur is eagerly anticipated by fans and golf enthusiasts alike, as they witness an unprecedented match-up between two talented young golfers. The rivalry between Malixi and Talley, who have already faced off in the U.S. Girls’ Junior final, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the championship match. As history unfolds at Southern Hills, the stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to a tournament that has already made its mark on the world of golf.
