Maja Stark made history on June 1, 2023, capturing her first major title at the US Women’s Open held at Erin Hills, Wisconsin. The 25-year-old golfer secured a two-stroke victory, showcasing remarkable composure throughout the tournament.
Finishing with a total score of 7-under 281, Stark wrapped up the final round with a 72, successfully fending off challenges from world No. 1 Nelly Korda and Japan’s Takeda Rio. This achievement marks Stark as the sixth Swedish golfer to win a major championship, joining the esteemed ranks of Liselotte Neumann and Annika Sorenstam, who previously triumphed in the US Women’s Open.
Close Contenders
Korda, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist, put forth a strong effort with a closing round of 71 but fell short, never getting closer than two strokes to Stark. Despite this near-miss, it was Korda’s best performance in the tournament history, having previously held a share of eighth place in 2022.
Stark’s victory prevented Takeda from becoming a consecutive champion, following the success of Saso Yuka, the two-time titleholder who unfortunately did not make the weekend cut this year after scoring 146 in the opening rounds.
Notable Performances from Japan
In addition to Takeda, other Japanese players made their presence felt in the top 10. Chevron Championship winner Saigo Mao tied for fourth place, finishing at 284, while former British Women’s Open champion Shibuno Hinako tied for seventh with a score of 285.
Performance Highlights
- Maja Stark: 7-under 281 (Final Round: 72)
- Nelly Korda: 71 (Total Score: Not disclosed, finished second)
- Takeda Rio: Position not specified, third contender
- Saigo Mao: Tied for fourth, 284
- Shibuno Hinako: Tied for seventh, 285
- Lydia Ko: Finished 27th with a score of 3-over 291
This victory not only symbolizes a significant milestone in Stark’s career but also reinforces the growing prominence of Swedish golfers in women’s golf. With a second LPGA Tour title under her belt, Stark is poised for continued success on the professional circuit.
