Rianne Malixi and Dottie Ardina failed to advance to the weekend rounds of the 2025 US Women’s Open after both golfers struggled in the second round on Saturday (Philippine time) at the challenging Erin Hills Golf Course in Erin, Wisconsin.
Ardina, determined to overcome the punishing layout, teed off early and showed flashes of brilliance on the back nine, where she started her round.
She recorded birdies on holes No. 11 and No. 15 but was undone by bogeys on Nos. 10, 12, 14, and 17, finishing with a 2-over 38 through her first nine holes.
The 31-year-old LPGA veteran continued to face difficulties on the front nine, managing only pars while carding bogeys on five holes.
She closed the round with a 5-over 41, bringing her two-day total to a 16-over 160—well outside the cut line.
Meanwhile, Malixi got off to a shaky start with four bogeys on the front nine, including three straight to open her round, ending with a 4-over 42.
The 18-year-old two-time USGA champion tried to rally on the back nine, but her comeback hopes faded after bogeys on Nos. 11 and 16.
She signed off with a 6-over 78 for the round, finishing with a 13-over 157 in her debut at the US Women’s Open—her campaign ending at the halfway mark.
The tournament is guaranteed a new champion, as 2021 winner and former Filipino Olympian Yuka Saso also failed to make the cut.
Representing Japan, Saso missed the mark by a single stroke, carding a 2-over 146 — just one shot behind the 1-over cut line for the top 60 players and ties.
Japan’s Saigo Mao surged into the solo lead after firing a blistering 6-under 66 for an 8-under 136 total. Close behind her in a tie for second at 5-under 139 are compatriot Shibuno Hinako, Americans Nelly Korda, Sarah Schmelzel, Yealimi Noh, and South Korea’s Kim A Lim.
