Maja Stark’s Breakthrough Win at the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open: Clubs, Stats, and More

Maja Stark finally achieved her long-awaited breakthrough victory on the LPGA Tour, triumphing at the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open held at Erin Hills. Successfully fending off fierce competition from Nelly Korda and Rio Takeda, Stark showcased not just her skill but a unique club setup that contributed to her victory. In this article, we will delve into Stark’s performance stats, including her impressive ball-striking abilities, and explore the specific equipment that helped her secure the win.

Stellar Performance: The Stats

Throughout the tournament, Stark exhibited unparalleled control over her game, particularly in her approach shots. She gained a remarkable 6.72 shots on the field on approach, hitting an impressive three-quarters of her greens in regulation. These stats placed her fourth in approach performance and tied for eighth in greens hit, emphasizing the effectiveness of her game plan and execution.

Unique Club Setup: The Driver Dilemma

Interestingly, Stark stands out as one of the few players using an OEM-designed shaft in her irons, specifically the Ping AWT 2.0. While many professional golfers often switch to aftermarket options, Ping remains the only major OEM that offers custom shafts for players. However, Stark opted for the hottest aftermarket shaft on the market in her driver, the Fujikura Ventus Blue 5-S, demonstrating an adaptive approach to her equipment choices.

The Winning Driver

Stark not only chose the Fujikura shaft but also paired it with the Ping G430 MAX 10k driver, a model that has gained recognition for its forgiving nature. Released the previous year, this driver has been a favorite among professionals, most recently contributing to victories on the tour. This combination of a high-performance driver and specialized shaft significantly enhanced Stark’s chances for success.

Wedge Work: A Key Component

Alongside her driver, Stark’s addition of the Titleist Vokey WedgeWorks 58L lob wedge proved to be pivotal in her performance at Erin Hills. The low bounce L-Grind was particularly advantageous for navigating the tight, links-style fairways. Stark gained over 1.5 strokes around the green for the week, emphasizing her short game proficiency. She even tied for third in sand saves, further showcasing her complete command of various aspects of the game.

Maja Stark’s Winning Equipment Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at Maja Stark’s winning clubs at the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open:

• Driver: Ping G430 MAX 10k, 9* @ 9.5˚, Fujikura Ventus Blue 5-S (45.5”, D2)
• 3-Wood: Ping G430 MAX 15* @ 15.5˚, Graphite Design Tour AD-XC 6 Stiff
• 4-Hybrid: Ping G430 22* @ 21˚, Ping Tour Chrome 2.0 85 Stiff
• Irons: Ping Blueprint S 4-PW, Ping AWT Stiff
• Wedges: Ping S159 (50S, 54S), Titleist Vokey WedgeWorks (58-04L), Nippon Modus 3 105 Wedge
• Putter: Ping Anser 2, 33.875”, 3.5˚ loft, 71˚ lie, Ping PP58 grip
• Ball: Titleist Pro V1

Each piece of equipment was meticulously chosen to suit Stark’s unique playing style, proving that a well-thought-out setup can be the difference between winning and going home empty-handed.

The Technology Behind Performance

The Ping G430 MAX driver features several innovative technologies designed to optimize distance and accuracy. Its fixed back weight enhances stability, increasing the Moment of Inertia (MOI) to allow for more forgiving play. Coupled with a larger head profile, this driver helps golfers maintain their alignment and boosts confidence at the tee.

Wedge Selection: Precision and Control

Stark’s decision to incorporate the Ping S159 wedges into her game provides greater versatility and control around the greens. These wedges have undergone rigorous testing to meet the standards of top players, ensuring they deliver the score-lowering performance that elite golfers demand.

Grip and Feel: The Importance of Comfort

Comfort plays a crucial role in a golfer’s performance. Stark uses the Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 White grip, known for its exceptional feel and playability. This grip is designed to cater to a wide range of playing styles, making it a popular choice among both amateur and professional players.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

With this victory, Maja Stark has cemented her status as a formidable competitor on the LPGA Tour. Her unique club setup and stellar performance showcase the importance of tailoring equipment to personal strengths. As she moves forward in her career, Stark’s breakthrough win at the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open will likely serve as a springboard for further success.

For aspiring golfers looking to enhance their performance, Stark’s story illustrates that careful equipment selection and skill refinement can lead to impressive outcomes in competitive play. Keep an eye on Stark as she continues her journey in the world of golf, and consider evaluating your own setup to maximize your gaming potential.