The golf world is buzzing after a fiery exchange between Nelly Korda and rising star Maja Stark at the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open. What began as a seemingly playful comment turned into one of the most talked-about moments in recent LPGA history, as Stark’s powerful response left even the usually composed Korda at a loss for words.
The Incident: Sarcasm Sparks a Firestorm
Following Maja Stark’s stunning victory at the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open, where she delivered a clutch performance to claim her first major title, Nelly Korda reportedly made a sarcastic remark that raised eyebrows both inside and outside the locker room.
As sources on the ground at Lancaster Country Club revealed, Korda turned to Stark and said with a grin:
“Well, I guess anyone can win now, huh?”
The eight-word remark, though said with a smile, came off as dismissive to many, particularly given Stark’s dominant final round under pressure.
Maja Stark’s Strong Response
While some may have expected the 24-year-old Swedish sensation to ignore the comment or respond politely, Stark stunned everyone with a calm but cutting reply:
“Maybe, but not everyone can handle losing with grace.”
The statement, delivered without raising her voice, drew audible gasps from those nearby and reportedly caused Korda to pause in silence before walking away.
Insiders say the tension between the two had been building throughout the tournament, with both players in contention and battling for leaderboard supremacy. Stark’s win — and her composed yet direct response — marked a turning point in her growing reputation as one of the fiercest new faces on the tour.
Fallout and Reactions
Social media lit up almost instantly as news of the exchange spread. Fans on Twitter and Instagram took sides, with hashtags like #TeamStark and #KordaDrama trending worldwide. Some criticized Korda for being unsportsmanlike, while others defended her, suggesting the comment was blown out of proportion.
Golf analysts have also weighed in. Former LPGA champion Cristie Kerr commented on ESPN:
“Stark handled it like a seasoned pro. It’s good to see this kind of fire and personality in the women’s game.”
Korda has yet to publicly address the incident, though sources close to her say she was “caught off guard” by how quickly the situation escalated.
What’s Next?
With both players expected to compete in several high-profile events this summer, including the Women’s British Open and the Evian Championship, fans are eager to see how this rivalry plays out on the course.
Whether this was a one-time clash or the beginning of a heated rivalry, one thing is certain: Maja Stark has made her mark, both with her clubs — and with her words.