Rianne Malixi Withdraws From Augusta National Women's Amateur With Back Injury

Rianne Malixi had been among the favorites going into the Augusta National Women's Amateur, but the US Women’s Amateur champion has been forced to withdraw due to injury

Rianne Malixi watches her golf shot
(Image credit: Getty Images)

One of the favorites to lift the Augusta National Women's Amateur trophy has been forced to withdraw just 24 hours before the start of the event on Wednesday.

Rianne Malixi was fifth favorite with bookmakers but, on Tuesday, the US Girls’ Junior and US Women’s Amateur winner in 2024, withdrew after a lower back injury.

Rianne Malixi speaks during a press conference

Malixi made her ANWA debut in 2024

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Having withdrawn from her last event, the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific, with a back strain, the Amateur World No.4 had been hoping to recover before the tournament in Georgia.

However, after reportedly playing just four holes at Champions Retreat during her practice round on Tuesday, Malixi withdrew after being able to no longer continue.

Following the withdrawal, Malixi, who has dealt with back issues previously, claimed that she was playing at only 40-50%, before then revealing that she had undergone an MRI, but declined to go into specifics. She wasn't replaced in the field, with the number of players now standing at 71.

Claiming the US Girls’ Junior and US Women’s Amateur in 2024, Malixi became just the second player in history to accomplish the feat in the same year, mimicking Eun Jeong Seong in 2016.

Defeating Asterisk Talley in both finals, Malixi made her ANWA tournament debut back in 2024, missing the cut after rounds of 74 and 79.

Champions Retreat will host the first two rounds of the ANWA on Wednesday and Thursday, with the final round at Augusta National then taking place on Saturday 5th April.

Last year, Lottie Woad claimed the title after birdieing three of her final four holes. She comes into the event as the favorite, with second and third favorites, Jasmine Koo and Mirabel Ting, hoping to add their name to the roll of honor.

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Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

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