United States: Maja Stark has broken through on American soil, capturing her first professional victory in the United States with a composed performance at the US Women’s Open. The 25-year-old Swede shot an even-par 72 to seal a two-stroke win at Erin Hills, finishing the tournament at seven-under-par 281.
Stark, who entered the final round with a one-shot lead, withstood pressure from World No 1 Nelly Korda, who closed in early but faltered down the stretch. Korda carded a 71 to tie for second alongside Japan’s Rio Takeda (72), both finishing at five under par.
South Korea’s Choi Hye-jin made a late charge with a 68 to grab a share of fourth at four under, joining compatriot Mao Saigo (73) and China’s Yin Ruoning (70). Korda’s front nine featured two birdies, narrowing the gap to one.
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However, her hopes of a third major title slipped away on the back nine, with a bogey at the par-three 13th and a missed eagle chance on 14. Stark responded with a critical two-putt birdie at the 14th, stretching her lead to three strokes. Despite bogeys on the final two holes, the cushion was enough to secure the win.
Stark now boasts seven professional wins, including six on the Ladies European Tour. Her 2022 victory at the ISPS Handa World Invitational in Northern Ireland, a co-sanctioned event with the LPGA — earned her LPGA membership. The win marks her first LPGA title on U.S. soil and her maiden major championship victory.
It’s a redemption of sorts for Stark, who finished runner-up to Korda earlier this year at the Chevron Championship. For Korda, it was her third top-10 at the US Women’s Open — her best finish at the event to date.
Spain’s Julia Lopez Ramirez, who played in the final pairing with Stark after a 68, struggled with nerves and closed with a 79, including a triple-bogey eight on the final hole, to finish one over for the week.
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