Filipina golf sensation Rianne Malixi delivered a spectacular performance in the opening round of the Women’s Amateur Asia Pacific (WAAP) Championship at the Royal Wellington Golf Club in New Zealand on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The 18-year-old standout, fresh off her first collegiate victory for Duke University last month, carded a solid 68, highlighted by an impressive eagle that propelled her into contention.
Malixi's Strong Start and Key Shots
Malixi began her round with confidence, notching birdies on the second and fourth holes to quickly establish momentum. However, she faced a minor setback with a bogey on the eighth hole, briefly disrupting her rhythm. Undeterred, the young golfer showcased her resilience on the par-5 tenth hole, where she executed her best shot of the day—a stunning eagle that reignited her charge.
Recovery and Consistent Play
Following the eagle, Malixi maintained her composure, navigating the remainder of the course without further incident. She added another birdie on the fifteenth hole, demonstrating steady play and strategic prowess. Her opening round score of 68 places her in a tie for fourth position with Australia’s Jazy Roberts, just four strokes behind the solo leader, Yunseo Yang of Korea, who fired an exceptional 64 with eight birdies.
Championship Ambitions and Past Performances
This strong start positions Malixi firmly in the hunt for her first WAAP crown, a significant milestone in her burgeoning amateur career. Her best finish in this championship was a tie for third place in Thailand back in 2022, and she appears determined to surpass that achievement this year. With her recent collegiate success and focused mindset, Malixi is poised to make a serious run at the title.
Contrasting Fortunes for Fellow Filipina Golfer
In stark contrast, former Philippine amateur champion Junia Gabasa endured a challenging Day 1, finishing with a seven-over 79 that left her tied for 66th place. Gabasa struggled early, dropping to 4-over after a double bogey on the ninth hole. Despite a late birdie on the eighteenth, she could not recover from the disastrous start, highlighting the unpredictable nature of competitive golf.
The WAAP Championship continues to unfold, with Malixi’s performance drawing attention as she aims to elevate Philippine golf on the international stage. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as she builds on this promising opening round in pursuit of victory.
