Putting woes has Rianne Malixi settling for joint fifth

Rianne Malixi of the Philippines reacts on day four of The Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship at Siam Country Club on February 04, 2024 in Chon Buri, Thailand. (Photo by Oisin Keniry/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)

Rianne Malixi of the Philippines struggled on the greens on Sunday and limped to a closing one-over-par 73 that had her settling for a joint fifth place finish in the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship ruled by Chun-Wei Wu in wire-to-wire style in Pattaya, Thailand.

The 16-year-old Malixi, who vaulted into contention with a tournament record 63 on Saturday to be just four shots back at the start of the final 18 holes, missed several makeable putts coming home as Wu recovered from a bum start to shoot a level 72 and win with a 270 tally.

It was a frustrating finish for Malixi, who put herself in strong contention after that remarkable seven-birdie, one-eagle feat in the third round. Despite a frontside 37, she remained in contention, but the recent Australian Master of the Amateurs winner missed a par-putt from 6 feet on the 10th and muffed her birdie bids over the next two holes.

READ: Rianne Malixi closes out strong to reign in Melbourne

She fell farther back with another bogey on No. 14 after driving into the fairway bunker, coming short of the green and missing a 12-footer for par.

“It was incredible and very happy to be a champion. The final round wasn’t good because I got a lot of bogeys,” said Wu, who also picked up a stroke on the drivable 256-yard No. 15.South Korean Hyosong Lee was second two shots behind, with Achiraya Sriwong of Thailand checking in third another stroke back.

Pimpisa Rubrong, also from Thailand, ended up fourth with a 274 after a 70.