Maja Stark Triumphs at U.S. Women’s Open with Steady Play
ERIN, Wis. — Maja Stark displayed remarkable composure and skill during the U.S. Women’s Open, ultimately clinching her victory with a four-day total of 7-under 281. The 25-year-old from Sweden shot an even-par 72 on Sunday, finishing two strokes ahead of top players Nelly Korda and Japan’s Rio Takeda.
Stark shared that she found success by letting go of control and focusing on the process: “I just stopped trying to control everything,” she said. “By hovering the club above the ground before I hit, I was able to release some tension.”
This victory marks Stark as the sixth Swede to win a women’s major title, following in the footsteps of Anna Nordqvist, who last claimed the title in 2021. Stark’s win is significant as she is the first Swedish golfer to take home the U.S. Women’s Open title since Annika Sorenstam in 2006.
Stark mentioned receiving encouraging messages from friends, motivating her to "bring it home." Her consistency throughout the tournament was key, especially as she fended off strong competition from Korda, who finished with a closing score of 71, and Takeda, who shot 72.
Korda has faced her share of struggles in the U.S. Women’s Open, previously tying for eighth in 2022 and missing the cut last year. Reflecting on her experiences, she noted, "You learn a lot about yourself and your game in this event."
Throughout the day, Korda made a strong push with birdies on Nos. 7 and 8. However, she missed a crucial 9-foot birdie putt on No. 9 while Stark kept her steady pace, turning in a strong performance. Despite the pressure, Stark managed to extend her lead, securing a three-stroke advantage at one point in the game.
Even after facing some challenges toward the end, Stark remained composed. She summarized her approach, stating, “I didn’t look at the leaderboards until I was on 17… it felt like I had control of my game.”
Stark’s caddie, Jeff Brighton, played a significant role in helping her maintain her poise, using humor and light conversation to keep her relaxed. With this victory, Stark earned a substantial $2.4 million prize, leading her to think about her next steps, jokingly mentioning it might be time to move out of her studio apartment.
As Stark celebrates her well-deserved victory, it’s clear that her hard work and strategic mindset paid off on one of the biggest stages in women’s golf.
