Malixi hoping to make LA Olympics

MANILA, Philippines — Newly minted US Women’s Amateur champ Rianne Malixi is to play for Duke in the US NCAA for one or two seasons, then would jump to the pros, looking forward to slugging it out with the best of them in the LPGA.

And should she make the LPGA by 2026 or 2027, Malixi would surely be there fighting for ranking points with hopes of playing in the 2028 LA Olympics.

Her eyes grew wide open and quickly answered “yes,” on a query if playing in the Olympics is a dream.

Officials of the National Golf Association of the Philippines said they would be there to support Malixi, toasting the Filipina ace for her US Women’s Amateur Championship triumph that sent her soaring to a high No. 5 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

“You have the momentum and you have a great golfing life ahead of you. We’re excited and will be very supportive on where we can support,” said NGAP president Martin Lorenzo during the welcome dinner for the champ and her family Saturday night at Barcino in Vertis North.

“Your achievement is unparalleled and we want to celebrate your accomplishment,” Lorenzo also said in the simple gathering also attended by other NGAP officials Gen. Charles Gaerlan, Kit Angeles, Leana Carmona, Peng Perez de Tagle and Bones Floro.

On a hot streak of victories, Malixi is to bring her stuff in the Korean tour. She started her ascent by ruling the Women’s Australian Master of the Amateurs in January. After placing second in the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley in March and the Royal Junior in Japan in April, Malixi struck gold at the US Girls’ Junior last month, then topped it in winning the toughest and most prestigious women’s amateur championship in the world.