A devastating setback has hit the Augusta National Women’s Amateur as one of its top contenders pulled out just hours before the tournament’s start.
Rianne Malixi, who was ranked fifth by oddsmakers to win, had to withdraw Tuesday due to a nagging back injury. The talented young golfer managed just four holes during her practice round at Champions Retreat before realizing she couldn’t continue.
“I’m only playing at 40-50% right now,” Malixi revealed after her withdrawal. She’s already undergone an MRI but didn’t share the specific results.
It’s a particularly tough break for Malixi, who made history in 2024 by winning both the US Girls’ Junior and US Women’s Amateur championships – only the second player ever to achieve this remarkable double, matching Eun Jeong Seong’s 2016 feat.
The back problems aren’t new for Malixi. She recently had to drop out of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific with a similar strain. Currently ranked No. 4 in the amateur world rankings, she had hoped to recover in time for this prestigious event.
Her spot won’t be filled, leaving the field at 71 players.
The tournament kicks off Wednesday at Champions Retreat, where players will compete for two rounds. Those who make the cut will then face the ultimate test – a final round at the legendary Augusta National on Saturday, April 5th.
Last year’s champion Lottie Woad enters as the favorite to defend her title, after her incredible finish in 2023 where she birdied three of her final four holes. Hot on her heels are Jasmine Koo and Mirabel Ting, both looking to add their names to the tournament’s growing legacy.
For Malixi, who missed the cut in her ANWA debut last year with rounds of 74 and 79, this withdrawal is an especially bitter pill to swallow given her recent championship form.
