Maja Stark Leads US Women's Open by One Stroke at Erin Hills

Maja Stark of Sweden took a one-shot lead into the final round of the 80th U.S. Women's Open at Erin Hills after shooting a steady two-under-par 70 amidst challenging course conditions. Stark's performance, including three birdies and one bogey, brought her to seven-under-par 209, positioning her for a potential second LPGA Tour victory. Spanish qualifier Julia Lopez Ramirez surged into contention with the best round of the day, a four-under-par 68, finishing just one stroke behind Stark. The course's fast greens and difficult pin placements caused many players, including third-round leader Mao Saigo and World No. 1 Nelly Korda, to struggle, resulting in higher scores overall. Stark emphasized the importance of playing freely rather than scared to succeed on the demanding layout, while Lopez Ramirez expressed excitement about her first opportunity to win on the LPGA Tour. Other contenders include Japan's Rio Takeda and Hinako Shibuno, tied for third, underscoring the competitive leaderboard heading into the final day.