U.S. GIRLS' JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

July 21, 2023

Rianne Malixi

USAF Academy Eisenhower Golf Club

Press Conference

Q. Could you just walk us through your round, this afternoon specifically?

RIANNE MALIXI: I think that my irons worked pretty well today and I was also able to convert some putts. Earlier in the match, I mean the first match today, the irons and putter was really cold and I somehow made things work. The second match, yeah, I just made it work.

Q. Was there anything specific that helped make it work?

RIANNE MALIXI: It was just really my irons. I just keep on striking them within like 10 feet or less. Just able to convert them.

Q. When you got it to 3-up did you feel like, in that moment, did you start to feel like really confident that you were going to be able to take the match?

RIANNE MALIXI: I know I was dominating, but I didn't try to be as confident. I tried to be as neutral as I can be. Because the match wouldn't be over until it's over. So I just kept on grinding out there.

Q. You mentioned earlier in the week that you've put yourself in contention a lot of times and that you thought that this week it would take patience to be able to get past that hump. Do you think that that was what helped you today?

RIANNE MALIXI: Yeah, patience and kind of like discipline. Actually, on one hole I always -- I think it was 11 -- I really wanted to attack the green. But then I thought, I was like, I was only like 2-up or 1-up and I said, I think it's wiser for me to just lay up and just try to make a birdie. Which I eventually made. So it was a smart play from there.

Q. You played Rose Zhang and won in 2021. Does that -- that was a couple years ago, that's obviously a long time ago, but did you learn anything from that match or take anything from that match that could be of value going forward?

RIANNE MALIXI: I would say Rose was very neutral. You wouldn't know what to expect from her. Because she's like a poker face when she plays. But then her eyes are really dominant during that match. She just kept converting putts. So ever since that match I just kind of like tried to imitate her and tried to improve my iron game and putting.

Q. Is this your first time playing in Colorado?

RIANNE MALIXI: Yes, sir.

Q. What is the adjustment been like as far as the altitude? Almost 7,000 feet above sea level.

RIANNE MALIXI: Yeah, it was pretty tiring. I haven't been playing like these in the Philippines. So actually on the first nine today my legs were really painful and I just couldn't get them to swing it right. That's why I kept on missing left and right. But then I made things work. I drank a lot of Gatorade and bananas. Then my legs just started working again. So, yeah.

Q. As far as the altitude, too, I mean it affects the shot distance a little bit with your irons?

RIANNE MALIXI: Oh, yeah, I was hitting it further. My pitching wedge goes like 125 instead of 115. But that's pretty cool.

Q. Do you think the two stroke play rounds kind of helped you get settled into that? Your practice rounds. Do you think that kind of helped you ease into this match play a little bit?

RIANNE MALIXI: Yes. I mean, the more I play this course the more familiar I am with it and the more confident I get to be in selecting the clubs out here.

Q. How do you like, after being here for a week, how do you like this whole setting? Not only just the golf course, but just kind of the place this is in and the mountains and that sort of thing?

RIANNE MALIXI: It's cool. It's also new for me because every time we go inside the course you have to go through the gates. Which takes a pretty long time, like 10 minutes. And then you just get to see the mountains and stuff, which is pretty cool.

Q. Are you staying far from the base?

RIANNE MALIXI: 18 minutes away. Fairfield? I think. Yeah.

Q. You've lived your whole life in the Philippines; is that right?

RIANNE MALIXI: Yes.

Q. Have you had any college offers or do you know where that's going at this point?

RIANNE MALIXI: Well, coaches are trying to recruit me and I'm still communicating with a bunch of coaches. But for me I'm still trying to plan out and try to think what I should do in a few more years. Because my parents would have loved me to turn pro, but then I just voiced out that I really want to do college golf first to see how my game goes and decide if I can turn pro or not.

Q. Is there something specific about college golf, maybe like the team aspect, that you really like?

RIANNE MALIXI: I prefer to keep secret of the schools I'm talking to. But I'm looking for a school that really fits my team. Because I have a team I work with to help me in my golf game. So incorporating that team to college would be perfect for me.

Q. Generally what does it mean to be in the finals tomorrow? It will be -- obviously it's on TV today -- but you're going to be in, you could either be the champion or the runner-up tomorrow and you're going to get a lot of exposure. What does that mean to you?

RIANNE MALIXI: I mean, it means a lot. But I've always put myself in these kind of positions, but again I couldn't get my, get the job done. But hopefully I do tomorrow then. I know it's not going to be an easy win. So patience, grit and playing smart out there will really pay off in getting over the hump.

Q. Speaking of it not being an easy win. Obviously your potential opponent, they're both still out there, have you been keeping an eye on their games throughout the week?

RIANNE MALIXI: I haven't. Yeah. But I heard Gianna is playing well. Kiara is sick, I heard. So, I don't know.

Q. How tall are you?

RIANNE MALIXI: 5'-3". I'm short. (Laughing.)