It’s going to be a big leap into unchartered territory for Rianne Malixi once she finally studies at — and plays for — Duke University.
Going to college is a huge step. Imagine being a former homeschooler and then switching to college. Right there in the United States.
For the 16-year-old Malixi, the Philippines’ brightest prospect, “it feels surreal.”
“Because I am not quite sure what that transition will be like from homeschooling to going into actual classes, and actual university in the States where my parents will not be around. So, I will be dependent on me in everything.”
Good thing she still has a full year to prepare for that as Malixi only gets to sign a full scholarship with the Blue Devils next November.
In the meantime, she’s taking up pre-requisite classes, six hours per week, online. That comes in handy because she will be joining several junior tournaments in the US.
By her accounts, 2024 will be an even busier year for Malixi who this year alone competed, among others, in the Asian Games, Southeast Asian Games, IMG Junior Worlds and the US Junior Girls where she finished runner-up.
The evening Tribune Golf got a hold of her, she just came from her home course, Royal Northwoods in San Rafael, Bulacan, playing a round and attending the club Christmas party.
“I go to the golf course every day. Today I warmed up, played a bit and then practiced my putting,” said Malixi who received the top honors from the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines Sunday at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.
Since coming back from the US three months ago, Malixi competed in China and Abu Dhabi. January she’s seeing action in Australia and then by March she’s back in the States.
Up in her schedule are junior events, US Golf Association Qualifiers, British and US Amateurs and other tournaments in Europe.
“I will be competing more in the States and I will be communicating with Duke, with the coaches, a lot just because of the admission process. I think the signing day of college recruits will be in November next year. So am definitely prepping for that.”
She’s now taking courses in English Language and Composition, and Psychology; classes that would eventually be credited to her once she starts college in school year 2025.
“It’s going to be an exciting process for me. Just going there earlier just to prep myself and just to mentally talk to myself that it’s going to be different from the way it used to be,” Malixi said.
“It’s just a matter of accepting that and adjusting.”
Playing golf would then be the only thing constant in her young life.
“Am pretty sure it’s gonna be the same thing. I will just be training with a bunch of people and especially not just playing for yourself but for the team as well.”
“I think training a lot, I guess it won’t make much of a difference. You are just playing for somewhat bigger than yourself. You playing or the school. It means a lot.”
