Defending US Women's Open champion Maja Stark handed back her first major LPGA trophy this week.
As tradition dictates, the Swedish golf star had to physically return the Harton S. Semple trophy she won at last year's tournament before this week's 2026 US Women's Open kicks off.
However, rather than feeling a sense of loss, Stark admitted the exchange brought a wave of relief.
"It was fun to have it, but it's more fun to play for it," Stark told The Golf Channel.
Maja Stark Shows Renewed Focus Ahead of 2026 US Open
The symbolic gesture coincides with a significant mental shift for the 26-year-old.
After shocking the field with her 2025 victory at Erin Hills, Stark slid into a post-major slump. The breakthrough win secured her LPGA Tour card for five years, but the security unexpectedly dented her competitive drive. She subsequently struggled under the pressure, missing five cuts in her next seven starts.
To recapture her form, Stark explained she relied on a team of sports psychologists to get back on track. Her focus then shifted from defending a title to chasing a new one.
"I have so many people around me saying, 'This is okay,'" Stark said. "'You're going to get through this even if you don't feel like it, and you're going to get back to normal.' All of a sudden it happened."
And the adjustments are paying off.
Stark arrives at the historic Riviera Golf Course having made seven of her last eight cuts, while a recent putter change has also boosted her confidence.
With every major winner since 2021 gunning for this week's LPGA leaderboard, Stark will face steep competition in her quest to reclaim her championship title.
Where to Watch the US Women's Open at Riviera Golf Course
The 2026 US Women's Open tees off 9:45 AM ET on Thursday, with live LPGA major coverage starting at 2 PM ET on USA Network.
