maja Stark Clinches Maiden Major Title at US Women’s Open
In an electrifying finale at the US Women’s Open, 25-year-old Maja Stark triumphed over world No. 1 Nelly Korda to claim her first major championship with a decisive two-stroke margin. The Swedish golfer demonstrated remarkable steadiness throughout the concluding round at Erin Hills, preserving her narrow lead despite relentless pressure from top contenders.
Final Round Tension: Stark Maintains Composure Amidst Intense Rivalry
Starting the day with a slender one-shot advantage, Stark held firm against fierce competition. Although she stumbled with back-to-back bogeys on the final two holes and posted a round of 72, it was sufficient to keep both Rio Takeda and Korda-each finishing one under par 71-at bay. this victory represents a significant breakthrough for Stark on golf’s grandest stage while extending Korda’s search for her inaugural win this season.
Concluding at seven under par, Stark became Europe’s first US Women’s open champion as Annika Sorenstam in 2006. Her success also secured a career-high prize of $2.4 million.
Standout Performances Beyond the Champion
The leaderboard featured notable showings from Hyejin choi and Ruoning Yin who tied for fourth place alongside Mao Saigo, aiming to defend her major title after winning April’s Chevron Championship. England’s Charley Hull finished tied for twelfth after dropping three strokes over her last four holes during a final-round 71.
Pivotal Moments That Defined Victory at Erin Hills
Kicking off Sunday just ahead of Spain’s Julia Lopez Ramirez, Stark began steadily by carding five consecutive pars before extending her lead with an extraordinary 20-foot birdie putt on hole six-a challenging par-three that tested all players’ precision and nerve.
Nelly Korda responded quickly despite an early bogey on that same hole by rattling off birdies on holes seven and eight to close within one stroke as stark faltered slightly with a bogey on seven.
A critical turning point arrived around hole eleven when Stark broke free from pars by sinking a solid birdie while watching Korda struggle with a three-putt bogey at thirteen-stretching the lead to three shots.Both golfers converted birdies on fourteen but missed eagle chances on this demanding par-five hole.
Korda faltered down the stretch; unable to gain ground in closing holes, she dropped another shot at seventeen following an unfortunate pitch that rolled back toward her feet behind the green-allowing Stark breathing room heading into final stages.
Choosing prudence over risk near tournament end, Stark laid up twice from difficult rough lies before settling for bogeys on both seventeenth and eighteenth holes yet still comfortably secured golf’s most prestigious trophy ahead of rivals.
Tight Battles among Contenders in Closing Holes
Korda shared fifth place alongside Takeda who herself stumbled late by bogeying penultimate hole but matched Starks’ closing scorecard of seventy-two strokes overall.
Former major winner Hinako Shibuno remained within striking distance until dropping three shots across last four holes derailed hopes of contention.
Meanwhile Lopez Ramirez endured heartbreak after triple-bogeying final hole resulting in seventy-nine strokes total which dropped Spanish hopeful into tied nineteenth position.
England amateur Lottie Woad impressed as lowest amateur finishing tied thirty-first among seasoned professionals.
Maja & Nelly Share Insights Following Final Round Showdown
Maja expressed surprise about how well she performed given recent uncertainties about maintaining form: “before this event I doubted if my game would be sharp anytime soon-it felt distant-but winning here means everything.” She admitted uncertainty about clinching such an achievement amidst fierce competition yet embraced this milestone wholeheartedly.
Nelly reflected positively despite missed opportunities especially putting struggles late in round: “I played solidly today though none of my putts dropped when needed most; I made some silly mistakes like that costly three-putt but rebounded quickly too.” She emphasized how mentally demanding conditions like those faced here test every aspect of skill-and praised progress made through hard work earlier this season despite falling short now.”
Upcoming Highlights In Women’s Golf Calendar
The LPGA Tour will next visit New Jersey hosting ShopRite LPGA Classic starting Friday followed closely by another women’s major -the prestigious KPMG Women’s PGA Championship ,scheduled June 19-22 broadcast live via Sky Sports Golf channels worldwide offering fans continued access to top-tier women’s professional golf action throughout summer months ahead.
Stay tuned as rising stars like Maja continue reshaping competitive landscapes while veterans seek redemption across upcoming tournaments.
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