Sweden’s Maja Stark delivered a breakthrough performance at Erin Hills, capturing her first major championship at the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open with a composed final-round 72 and a 7-under-par total of 281. The 25-year-old outlasted world No. Nelly Korda and Japan’s Takeda Rio to become just the third Swede ever to win the U.S. Women’s Open, joining legends Liselotte Neumann and Annika Sorenstam.
Stark’s consistency was key—she never fell outside the top in any major strokes gained category throughout the tournament, a testament to her steady game under pressure Her victory also marks her second LPGA Tour title, but her first at a major, earning her a $2.4 million winner’s check and valuable points in the Rolex Annika Major Award standings.
A unique storyline behind Stark’s win was the calming influence of her caddie, Jeff Brighton, a former stand-up comedian. Stark credited Brighton’s humor for helping her stay focused and relaxed during tense moments on the course, saying his lighthearted approach allowed her to “stay in her bubble” and play aggressively when it mattered most.
With this victory, Stark has firmly established herself as a force on the LPGA Tour. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how far the rising Swedish star can go after her historic U.S. Open breakthrough.
