Maja Stark Leads US Open as Major Title Awaits

Erin Hills, Wisconsin – Maja Stark, a 25-year-old golfer from Sweden, has taken the lead at the US Open with a score of seven under par ahead of Sunday’s final round. Stark is aiming for her first major title.

“I have felt free,” she said in a Viaplay broadcast after her impressive third-round performance. Stark began the round strong with a birdie on the first hole but faced a bogey on the third. She quickly recovered, making six consecutive pars followed by two additional birdies on the tenth and sixteenth holes, putting her in sole possession of first place.

Stark attributed her success to shaking off the bogey on the third hole. “Everyone will make a bogey. I’m focused on grinding it out. Small mistakes can lead to bigger ones on these tough courses.” Her ability to play freely has been key, she added. By the end of the third round, Stark held a one-shot lead after her competitor, Japan’s Mao Saigo, missed critical putts on the final holes.

Stark opened the US Open with a two-under-par first round, followed by an impressive three-under-par second round. After carding two under par on the third day, she now leads spaniard Julia Lopez Ramirez by one stroke, with a trio of Japanese golfers two strokes behind.

<p”Stark celebrated her day with fans at the 18th hole before heading to sign her scorecard. “I will practice a bit now to relieve some stress. I just want to have fun and stay relaxed because I know I play poorly when I’m scared,” she explained regarding her plans for the final round.

Other Swedish players had mixed results, with Linn Grant tied for seventh at three under par. However, Madelene Sagström, Ingrid Lindblad, and Anna Nordqvist struggled, each finishing over par.

Stark is on the cusp of a significant achievement, having previously finished as high as second in a major tournament. With an impressive performance at Erin Hills, she could secure a record prize of 21.3 million kronor if she wins on Sunday.