Amateur Rianne Malixi shoots for a third victory in as many stints on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour when she competes in the ICTSI Riviera Championship that reels off Tuesday at the par-71 Langer course.
“Langer is in great shape so far. I have fond memories of this course, so I’m confident playing this course,” said Malixi, who edged now Epson Tour campaigner Abby Arevalo on the third extra hole to win the Philippine National Stroke Play crown in 2020, becoming the youngest winner at 12.
Malixi will contend with the likes of Order of Merit leader Chihiro Ikeda and fellow pros Sunshine Baraquiel, Harmie Constantino, Sarah Ababa, Marvi Monsalve, Martina Miñoza, Pamela Mariano, Lovelynn Guioguio, Kristine Fleetwood and Gretchen Villacencio, among others.
Also out to provide a challenge are Malixi’s fellow amateurs Laurea Duque, Burberry Zhang, Korean Kim Seo Yun and ICTSI teammate Mafy Singson, who also humbled the pros at Splendido Taal last May but struggled to finish joint third with Constantino and Villacencio at Valley.
Completing the cast in the P750,000 tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. are Apple Fudolin, Lucy Landicho, Majorie Pulumbarit and Eva Miñoza.
Meanwhile, the tournament also serves as part of Malixi’s buildup for three tough events in Thailand.
“A week in Langer will definitely tell me where I stand prepping for Thailand,” said Malixi, who is set to vie in the Singha Thailand Amateur Open on 18 to 21 October in Bangkok, the Singha Thailand Junior World Championship on 27-30 October in Hua Hin, and the Women’s Asia Pacific Amateur Championship on 3 to 6 November in Chonburi.
