So, here’s the story from Erin Hills this past weekend: Maja Stark, the 25-year-old former Oklahoma State golfer, finally broke through in a big way by winning the U.S. Women’s Open. Yeah, her first major championship, and it really felt like a long time coming. You could tell from the start she was steady as a rock, and honestly, that’s what made the difference in the end.
Stark shot an even-par 72 on Sunday, wrapping up the tournament at 7-under 281. That was enough to edge out two pretty tough competitors – top-ranked Nelly Korda and Japan’s Rio Takeda, both finishing two strokes behind her. I mean, beating the number one player in the world is no small feat. You gotta give credit where it’s due.
What’s cool about Stark is that she’s not just some flash in the pan. She’s been consistent, showing solid play all week, not letting the pressure get to her. And with the U.S. Women’s Open being arguably the biggest event on the women’s golf calendar, that’s saying something. Plus, she’s raking in a cool \$2.4 million for the win, not bad for a week’s work, right?
If you’re into golf history, here’s a fun tidbit: Maja is the sixth Swede ever to win a women’s major, and the first since Anna Nordqvist took the Women’s British Open back in 2021. Nordqvist, who went to Arizona State, also happens to be the last player from a current Big 12 school to win a women’s major. So, there’s something going on with Big 12 alumni stepping up on the big stage.
Before this, Stark had only one LPGA Tour title under her belt, the 2022 ISPS Handa World Invitational in Northern Ireland. So, this major win is a pretty huge step up. It’s like she’s leveling up in front of our eyes.
Now, let’s talk about how the final round went down because it wasn’t just a walk in the park. Stark took the lead into Sunday by just one stroke, and she was pretty honest about her mindset going into the day. She said she wanted to play freely, which is super important. She admitted she’s had this habit of playing scared in the past, trying to hang on rather than going for it. But this time, she flipped the script and just went for it. Smart move.
Throughout the day, Stark stayed in front, keeping her cool when it mattered most. She had this impressive bogey-free streak going on for 21 holes until it ended at No. 7. Right after that, Nelly Korda birdied Nos. 7 and 8, making a real push. Korda even had a chance to tie Stark on No. 9 with a 9-foot birdie putt, but missed it by a hair. Those moments are brutal because a little miss like that can totally change the momentum.
Then, Stark showed why she’s a champion. Right after Korda missed a short par putt on No. 13, Stark drained a 14-foot birdie putt on No. 11, pushing her lead out to three strokes. That’s clutch. Not to be outdone, she made another birdie on No. 14 to keep that three-shot cushion at 9 under par.
Of course, like all golf stories, there were a couple of hiccups at the end. Stark bogeyed the last two holes, which had to be nerve-wracking, but by then she had built up enough of a lead to hold on. That’s the beauty of golf, it’s a mental game as much as a physical one. Knowing when to stay calm and when to attack makes all the difference.
Meanwhile, Korda and Takeda kept the pressure on but couldn’t catch up. Korda finished with a 71, and Takeda matched Stark’s 72. Both played well, but Stark’s steady and confident approach won the day.
Looking at Stark’s journey, it’s pretty inspiring. She’s a former Big 12 Golfer of the Year (back in 2021) and has been grinding on the LPGA Tour, steadily improving her game. This win isn’t just about talent; it’s about growth, learning how to handle pressure, and figuring out how to close when it counts.
And there’s something kinda poetic about her being a Swede making history at Erin Hills, which is known for being a challenging course that demands both skill and patience. She didn’t just blast through with power; she played smart, kept her nerves in check, and trusted her game.
Also, the fact that she’s continuing this trend of Big 12 players winning majors is cool. Shows that the conference is producing some serious golf talent, even if it doesn’t always get the same spotlight as some others.
So yeah, Maja Stark’s first major title at the U.S. Women’s Open is a big deal. It’s a testament to steady progress and playing with confidence. I bet we’ll be hearing a lot more from her in the coming years, and maybe this is just the start of a really exciting career.
For now, she gets to enjoy the spotlight, the prize money, and the feeling of standing at the top of one of golf’s toughest mountains. And honestly, it couldn’t happen to a nicer, more deserving player.
