Stark wins US Women's Open to claim first major, Korda and Takeda come close

Maja Stark won the 2025 US Women's Open at Erin Hills, capturing her first major championship with a four day total of 7 under par, finishing at 281. The 25 year old Swede outlasted world No. 1 Nelly Korda and Japan's Rio Takeda, who tied for second at 5 under par. Stark's final round score of even par 72 was enough to secure a two stroke victory, highlighted by a crucial 14 foot birdie putt on the 11th hole that extended her lead. Her composure under pressure marked her as the third Swedish woman to win the prestigious event, following Liselotte Neumann and Annika Sorenstam.

Korda, chasing her first US Open title, posted a final round 71 but was hindered by missed opportunities, including a 9 foot birdie putt on the 9th and a 5 foot par putt on the 13th that led to a costly two shot swing in Stark's favor. Takeda, also in contention, scored a 72 in the final round but couldn't recover from an early double bogey, keeping her from closing the gap. The tournament showcased intense competition, with Stark's steady play proving decisive.

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Stark's victory earned her a $2.4 million prize from the $12 million purse, a significant milestone in her rising career. The event, held at Erin Hills, underscored her potential as a major force in women's golf. Korda and Takeda, despite their strong performances, fell just short of the title, setting the stage for future battles. Stark's triumph adds her name to the storied history of the US Women's Open, cementing her place among golf's elite.