Maja Stark Seizes ‍Lead at ‌U.S. Women’s Open

⁢ ⁣ Updated May 31, 2025

ERIN, Wis. — Sweden’s Maja Stark carded a 2-under 70 on Saturday, grabbing the lead at the U.S. Women’s Open. Her⁢ performance⁤ puts her at 7-under 209 one ⁤stroke ahead of the competition as she aims for the $2.4 million prize. The third round at Erin Hills proved tough, with‌ Stark managing to navigate the course better than most.

Julia Lopez Ramirez of ⁤spain shot the day’s best score,a⁤ 68,to move into second place.A trio of japanese players—Rio Takeda (70), Hinako Shibuno (72), and overnight leader ​Mao⁤ Saigo‍ (75)—are tied for ⁣third at 5 under. ‌Nelly Korda, the world’s top-ranked player, sits at 4⁣ under ⁤after a 73.

“I ‌think I’m just going to‍ try⁤ to ⁣play freely,” stark said. “I‌ think that no one has ever played well when they’ve been playing scared, and I think that’s been my habit before, to just kind of ‍try to​ hang on‌ to it.”

The course setup, featuring faster greens ​and demanding pin‌ positions, caused numerous problems for the field. Competitors struggled with double and triple bogeys throughout the day.

Lopez Ramirez, the 2023 and 2024‌ SEC Player of the Year from Mississippi state, is making a strong​ showing after recovering from​ an appendectomy less than three months ago. Despite not‌ finishing higher than a tie for 29th in her previous⁤ seven LPGA Tour events,the 22-year-old rookie is now in contention for the U.S. Women’s ⁣Open championship.

“I do⁤ believe that obviously when you’re in college and‌ you’re about ​to ⁣win an ⁢event you⁢ have the same​ nerves,” Lopez Ramirez said. “That’s the most you care in that moment. You just want to win⁢ that tournament.”

Saigo, who began the day with a three-shot advantage, faltered with ​three consecutive bogeys on holes⁢ 4-6, relinquishing⁢ her lead.‌ While she briefly regained the lead ‌with a birdie on No. 12, Stark matched her with a birdie on the 16th. Bogeys on the final two holes dropped Saigo two shots back.

Other players also​ experienced‍ difficulties. A Lim‍ kim, who started the‍ day tied for second, had a disastrous stretch on holes 2-5, going ​7 over par and finishing with⁢ a 77. Jin ⁣Hee ​Im and Noh also ​saw ‌their chances slip away after early struggles.

Korda, after a​ 40‌ on​ the front nine, rallied with three ⁣birdies ‌in the ⁣last five ​holes to remain in contention. She acknowledged the course’s challenges, noting the importance of managing mistakes and⁤ bouncing back.

“Its just a golf course where you may not hit it in the right spot ⁣and⁣ it’ll go down⁤ 40 feet and instead of being almost tap-in range, now you have a 40-foot chip⁣ where it’s running off the back, as well,” Korda said. “You just know that ​your mentality is that you’re going to make mistakes, but you can also bounce ‌back here.”

What’s next

The final round of the U.S. Women’s Open promises⁤ excitement as Maja Stark looks to maintain her ⁤lead and secure her first major championship. Julia⁤ Lopez Ramirez and other contenders will be aiming to chase​ her down on what is expected to be another challenging day at Erin Hills. Golf enthusiasts‌ anticipate a ‌thrilling conclusion to this prestigious⁢ event, with the LPGA spotlight shining brightly​ on these talented athletes.