Woad wrests control; Malixi misses cut

MANILA, Philippines – England’s Lottie Woad, No. 4 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, bucked difficult conditions at the Augusta National Women's Amateur, squeezing out a brave one-under 71 at Champions Retreat Golf Club as she grabbed the lead in Augusta, Georgia Thursday (Friday Manila time).

Counting her opening 68, Woad assembled a 139 and wrested a two-stroke advantage over Americans Gianna Clemente and Maisie Filler, who matched 141s after 71 and 73, respectively, while Amanda Sambach, also of the US, kept pace with a 73 for solo fourth at 142.

World No. 1 Ingrid Lindblad likewise struggled with a 76 and slipped to joint fifth at 143 with Swede Louise Rydqvist and Malaysian Mirabel Ting, who shot 73 and 74, respectively.

Rianna Malixi, however, found the challenging conditions particularly tough, stumbling to a seven-over 79 and missing the cut by six.

Coming off a 74 in the first round for joint 44th, the 17-year-old Filipina encountered early setbacks, including a dropped shot on the par-5 No. 3 and another bogey on the next. Despite a run of seven pars, including missed opportunities, her chances significantly diminished after a triple-bogey on No. 12.

Further bogeys on the following holes, against a lone birdie on No. 14, led to a 38-41 for a 36-hole total of 153.

Out of an initial field of 72, only 35 players made the cut at 147 and will play the final 18 holes set at Augusta National Golf Club Saturday. All participants, however, will have the opportunity to play a practice round at the home of the US Masters Friday.

The 54-hole tournament was a tough outing for the ICTSI-backed Malixi, who came into the prestigious amateur event full of confidence after finishing second in the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley in South Carolina, and climbing to No. 26 in the world rankings.

Despite a two-over par card Wednesday, she remained within reach of the top 30 and ties spot but was unable to find her rhythm, struggling off the tee and with her irons and putter.

But the experience is likely to be a valuable lesson for Malixi, who had earlier achieved her first overseas victory at the Australian Master of the Amateurs last January, as she aims for further success in international play the rest of the season.