Maja Stark Claims First Major Title at US Women's Open

Erin Hills, Wisconsin – Maja Stark of Sweden has secured her first major championship title, winning the US Women's Open with a two-shot lead over her competitors. With her victory, Stark joins the ranks of Annika Sorenstam and other Swedish champions who have lifted this prestigious trophy.

Final Standings

Stark finished the tournament with a score of seven under par, while American golfer Nelly Korda and Japan's Rio Taneka both recorded scores of five under, placing them in a tie for second. The final leaderboard highlights the competitive nature of the event:

  • -7 Maja Stark (Swe)
  • -5 Nelly Korda (US), Rio Taneka (Jpn)
  • -4 H-J Choi (Kor), Riko Yin (Chi), Miki Saigo (Jpn)
  • -3 Haylee Cooper (US), Hinako Shibuno (Jpn)
  • -1 Charley Hull (Eng)
  • +1 Jorge Lopez Ramirez (Spa)
  • +2 Minjee Lee (Aus)
  • +3 Lydia Ko (NZ)
  • +5 Lottie Woad (Eng)
  • +9 Gemma Dryburgh (Sco)

Stark's Grace Under Pressure

The 25-year-old Stark entered the final round with a slim lead of one shot. She quickly extended her advantage, making a birdie on the sixth hole while her playing partner, Julia Lopez Ramirez, struggled. Korda, starting the day three shots behind, made a significant push by playing the front nine at two under par, narrowing the gap to just one stroke.

However, Stark regained control with an important birdie on the 11th hole as Korda bogeyed the 13th. By the 14th hole, Stark had increased her lead to nine under par, ultimately allowing her to finish with two bogeys on the final holes, clinching the victory.

"This just feels huge," Stark stated after her victory. "You always know that it's possible, but there are so many good golfers on this tour. I didn't think I would be able to do it this week. I just had to stay calm."

Korda's Perseverance

Nelly Korda, despite finishing in a strong second place, expressed mixed feelings regarding her performance. "It's still very complicated," she said regarding her experience at the tournament. "Hopefully, I can build off of this, putting myself in contention at a major and obviously just slipping just short. It hurts a little, but I'm happy with the progress."

Notable Performances

England's Charley Hull had a noteworthy final round, beginning the day at level par. She climbed the leaderboard with four birdies in her first 14 holes but ultimately settled for a joint 12th place finish at one under after dropping shots late in her round.

Lottie Woad, another British contender, finished as the best amateur, finishing at five over par, while Scotland's Gemma Dryburgh saw a decline, closing with a second consecutive score of 78, ending her tournament at nine over par.

Conclusion

Maja Stark's victory at the US Women's Open marks a significant milestone in her career, as she becomes the third Swedish woman to win this title. Her performance under pressure and determination throughout the weekend showcased her potential in the sport. As Korda and other competitors reflect on their performances, the tournament underscored the talented field of female golfers competing at the highest level.