Maja Stark became Sweden's latest winner of a golf major when she won the US Open last summer. A dream came true then, but over the years Stark has had a harder time dealing with setbacks on the course emotionally.
For example, she has repeatedly refused to talk to the media after more or less unsuccessful rounds. Before the Solheim Cup at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, she instead gives interviews in a continuous stream, with a smile on her lips and her shoulders lowered in the autumn sun. And Stark is happy to tell TT about the lessons she has learned over the past year.
“More self-confidence”
It's easier for me to be happy about a top-20 finish instead of thinking "I didn't make the top 5 - then I sucked". I've become much more patient and know that it won't always be good. So it's just been a calmer year with a lot more self-confidence, says Maja Stark.
Who has helped you get there?
I've had a psychologist, a sports psychologist, a mental coach and I've talked a lot with my own trainer. There are a lot of people who have helped me.
And how much easier does golf feel now?
It's great to just know that after a bad shot it won't feel like the world is ending. Instead you can just move on and save par - or you can make bogey or double and move on from that too. It's totally okay, no one will remember it anyway. I feel a lot more mature.
“Be nervous as hell”
Stark played the Solheim Cup for the first time at Finca Cortesín in 2023 and was also on the European team the following year outside Washington DC.
She expects it to be nerve-wracking now too, but nowhere near the same level as during her debut round in Spain three years ago. Then Stark was noticeably shaky during the first three holes.
I was so nervous and thought this match was the most important of my career. And you can't play like that.
Now it's nice not to be new anymore, even if it means there are a little more expectations from people, says Maja Stark.
The Solheim Cup begins early on Friday morning with four foursomes matches.
2023: two wins, one draw, one loss. After a 14–14 aggregate draw, Europe, as reigning champions, retained the trophy.
2024: one win, one draw, two losses. USA won 15.5–12.5.
Carlota Ciganda, 36 years old, Spain (seven Solheim Cups).
Charley Hull, 30, England (seven).
Céline Boutier, 32, France (four).
Leona Maguire, 31, Ireland (three).
Maja Stark, 26, Sweden (two).
Linn Grant, 27, Sweden (two).
Esther Henseleit, 27, Germany (one).
Nanna Koerstz Madsen, 31, Denmark (one).
Lottie Woad, 22, England (debutant).
Mimi Rhodes, 24, England (debutant).
Nastasia Nadaud, 21, France (debutant).
Julia López Ramírez, 23, Spain (debutant).
