By Harper Reeve, Senior Correspondent
The final round of the U.S. Women’s Open concluded on June 1, 2025, at Erin Hills Golf Course in Wisconsin, delivering one of the most tightly contested finishes in recent tournament history. As the dust settled, Sweden’s Maja Stark emerged as the leader heading into the decisive stages of the final round.
Stark held a slim lead at seven-under par after carding a composed third-round 70. Her consistency throughout the week had made her a formidable presence on the leaderboard. Trailing her closely was Spain’s Julia Lopez Ramirez, just one shot behind at six-under, displaying determination and confidence in her major championship campaign.
Also in contention were Japan’s Hinako Shibuno and Rio Takeda, each sitting at five-under. Their performances throughout the week were marked by smart course management and precise iron play. Shibuno, the 2019 Women’s British Open champion, showcased her veteran poise, while Takeda demonstrated the grit and skill of a rising star.
Joining them in the chase was Mao Saigo, the Chevron Championship winner, who continued her strong season by finishing the third round at five-under. Meanwhile, world number one Nelly Korda, although three shots back, remained very much in the mix. Known for her explosive final rounds, Korda’s presence added suspense and star power to the Sunday finale.
The U.S. Women’s Open, known for its demanding courses and dramatic finishes, once again lived up to its reputation. Erin Hills, hosting the championship for the first time, proved a formidable venue. Its rolling terrain and strategic bunkering challenged players throughout all four rounds.
In the early stages of the final round, the leaderboard remained volatile. Players exchanged birdies and bogeys, and momentum swung frequently. Julia Lopez Ramirez briefly tied for the lead after birdies on the second and third holes, while Korda mounted a spirited charge with back-to-back birdies at the sixth and seventh.
However, it was Stark’s steady hand that maintained her position at the summit. Avoiding critical errors and making key putts under pressure, she navigated the back nine with a calm that belied her age. “I just tried to stay in my rhythm and not look at the leaderboard too much,” Stark said following her round. “I knew everyone was playing well, so I had to keep my focus.”
The final few holes were punctuated by tense moments. A birdie from Lopez Ramirez on the 16th narrowed the gap to one shot, while Korda bogeyed the 17th to fall further back. Shibuno and Saigo each had outside chances at forcing a playoff but failed to capitalize on the par-5 18th.
As Stark walked up the 18th fairway, fans lining the gallery rose to their feet. With a safe par to finish, she signed for a final-round 71, bringing her total to eight-under for the tournament. Lopez Ramirez, needing a birdie to tie, missed a 15-foot putt that lipped out, leaving her at seven-under.
“It hurts to come that close, but I gave it everything,” Lopez Ramirez said. “I’m proud of how I played, and I know I’ll have more chances.”
Korda, who finished tied for fourth, remained gracious. “It wasn’t my best week off the tee, but I fought hard. Maja played incredible golf and deserved the win.”
The event drew strong television viewership, with coverage broadcast live across Peacock, Golf Channel, and NBC in the United States, and on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom. Spectators praised the tournament’s atmosphere, and organizers noted record attendance for the final two days.
Erin Hills, typically known for hosting the 2017 U.S. Open on the men’s side, made a strong impression as a women’s championship venue. The USGA hinted that future championships could return to the Wisconsin site.
The 2025 U.S. Women’s Open concluded not only with a deserving champion in Maja Stark but with a renewed sense of excitement about the depth and competitiveness of women’s professional golf. With young stars like Lopez Ramirez and Takeda on the rise and established names like Korda and Shibuno remaining contenders, the future of the sport appears brighter than ever.