### Maja Stark's Historic Win: A New Era in Women's Golf Maja Stark, a 25-year-old golfer from Sweden, has made headlines by winning the 80th U.S. Women's Open at Erin Hills, marking her first major championship victory. This win not only elevates her status in the sport but also places her among the elite, as she becomes only the third Swedish woman to achieve this feat, following legends Liselotte Neumann and Annika Sorenstam. The tournament featured a record purse of $12 million, with Stark's performance earning her a significant share of the prize money [https://sports.yahoo.com/golf/breaking-news/article/2025-us-womens-open-purse-payouts-how-much-did-maja-stark-earn-for-her-win-at-erin-hills-231424493.html][https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/golf/maja-stark-captures-us-womens-open-for-first-major-title]. ### Breakdown of Maja Stark's Journey to Victory 1. **Tournament Overview** - The U.S. Women's Open took place at Erin Hills, Wisconsin, concluding on June 2, 2025. - Stark finished with a total score of 7-under-par 281, securing a two-stroke victory over world No. 1 Nelly Korda and Japan's Rio Takeda [https://www.apnews.com/article/us-womens-open-erin-hill-stark-817ea88959171422d1a1a85fe10a1866]. 2. **Key Performances** - Stark's final round score was an even-par 72, which was enough to maintain her lead throughout the tournament [https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2025-06-01/maja-stark-wins-us-womens-open]. - Korda, despite her strong performance, could not overcome Stark's steady play, finishing with a total score of 5-under-par [https://www.wric.com/sports/sports-illustrated/7ea2b911/nelly-korda-has-her-best-u-s-womens-open-finish-but-thats-little-consolation]. 3. **Historical Significance** - Stark's victory is a significant milestone for Swedish golf, as she joins an elite group of female golfers who have won major championships [https://www.sbnation.com/2025/6/2/24441312/2025-us-womens-open-maja-stark-sweden-proud]. - The win is expected to inspire a new generation of golfers in Sweden and beyond [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3443641-maja-starks-triumph-a-new-star-at-the-us-womens-open]. ### Supporting Data and Statistics - **Final Leaderboard**: - Maja Stark: 7-under-par 281 - Nelly Korda: 5-under-par 283 - Rio Takeda: 5-under-par 283 - **Purse Distribution**: - Total purse for the tournament: $12 million - Stark's earnings from the win: Approximately $2.25 million [https://sports.yahoo.com/golf/breaking-news/article/2025-us-womens-open-purse-payouts-how-much-did-maja-stark-earn-for-her-win-at-erin-hills-231424493.html]. ### Conclusion: A Bright Future for Maja Stark **Maja Stark's victory at the U.S. Women's Open is a landmark achievement that not only highlights her talent but also signifies a promising future for women's golf.** 1. Stark's consistent performance throughout the tournament showcased her skill and determination. 2. Her win adds to the legacy of Swedish golfers in major championships, inspiring future athletes. 3. With a substantial prize and recognition, Stark is poised to become a leading figure in women's golf, potentially influencing the sport's growth globally. This victory is just the beginning for Stark, who is set to compete next at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, further solidifying her place in the sport [https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/professional/article_d795bd24-1955-4e8f-971d-c8e06859adbe.html].