Swedish golfer Maja Stark has claimed her first major title, winning the U.S. Women`s Open at Erin Hills. She had reportedly lost confidence heading into the tournament but adopted a new approach, focusing on her process rather than outcomes. Her final round was an even-par 72, bringing her four-day total to 7-under 281.
This performance put her two strokes clear of world No. 1 Nelly Korda of the United States and Rio Takeda of Japan, who tied for second place. Stark explained that she stopped trying to control everything and instead let things happen, finding that hovering her club slightly before hitting helped release tension. She credited focusing on small processes as key to her success.
Stark becomes the sixth Swedish woman to win a major championship and the first since Anna Nordqvist won the Women`s British Open in 2021. She is also the first Swede to win the U.S. Women`s Open since Annika Sorenstam secured her third title in 2006. Liselotte Neumann was another Swedish champion of this event in 1988. Stark mentioned receiving supportive texts from other Swedish winners.
Her steady play proved crucial in holding off challenges from Korda and others. Korda finished with a 71, while Takeda shot 72. Hye-Jin Choi, Ruoning Yin, and Mao Saigo shared fourth place at 4-under. Julia Lopez Ramirez, Stark`s playing partner and former closest competitor, struggled in the final round, shooting a 79 and dropping to a tie for 19th.
For Nelly Korda, this is her best finish at the U.S. Women`s Open, a tournament she has described as having a “complicated relationship” with. Her previous best was a tie for eighth in 2022, and she missed the cut last year. Korda noted that the event tests every aspect of her game and helps her identify areas for improvement.
Throughout the final round, Korda narrowed the gap with birdies, but Stark responded with key putts to maintain her lead. For instance, after Korda got closer, Stark sank a 14-foot birdie putt on the 11th hole to extend her advantage. Despite bogeying the final two holes, Stark held on for the victory. She stated she didn`t look at the leaderboards until the 17th hole and felt a sense of control over her game.
Her caddie, Jeff Brighton, a former stand-up comedian, played a vital role in keeping her relaxed with jokes and diverting her focus from the pressure. Stark, known for her intensity, appreciated his support. Brighton even wore a Green Bay Packers-style cheesehead hat.
For her win, Stark earned the largest prize in women`s golf, $2.4 million. She humorously commented that she might be able to move out of her studio apartment.
