LPGA Tour pro Maja Stark achieved her lifelong dream at Erin Hills last year. Winning the U.S. Women's Open was a challenge in itself, but what followed was also daunting for the Swede.

Achieving her goal, Stark felt a sense of emptiness regarding her future. However, the 26-year-old had her own way of dealing with the uncertainty.

“I did achieve my life goal, which was to win the U.S. Open. So what am I even playing for now?" Stark said, as reported by LPGA on X. "If I didn't have those questions, I don't think that I would have as easily persisted through the hard parts of golf.”

Stark lifted the Harton S. Semple trophy and became the first European to win it since Annika Sorenstam in 2006. She also became just the third Swede to win the major.

Stark recorded a 7-under par score as she won by two strokes over World No. 1 Nelly Korda and Japan’s Rio Takeda. It was her second title on the tour and her first major.

However, despite achieving her lifelong dream, Stark remained motivated to reach greater heights in the sport.

"I think the thought that keeps me going is having like mental pictures in my mind of what other people have won and what I want to win, try to imagine me with a trophy. I think that's really motivating,” she added.

Stark will head to the Riviera Golf Course this week to defend her title. Notably, a major competitor won’t be featuring at the U.S. Women's Open for the first time in almost 20 years.

Lexi Thompson's U.S. Open Streak Ends

2014 Chevron Championship winner Lexi Thompson won’t be playing at this year’s U.S. Women's Open. This will be the first time since 2006 that she won’t be at the major.

The 11-time LPGA Tour winner’s streak of 19 years will come to an end at the Riviera Golf Course. Thompson competed at her first U.S. Women’s Open in 2007 as a 12-year-old.

Reflecting on her absence, Thompson was visibly upset yet also proud of the feat.

“Definitely not a great feeling, I’d be lying if I said otherwise. But I have to remind myself that I’ve played in 19 in a row at the age of 30, and I’m very proud of that,” said Thompson in an Instagram post.

Thompson withdrew from a recent qualifier and thus missed out on the major. Notably, she announced her retirement from full-time play on the LPGA Tour in 2024 and has played in a limited schedule since.

While she has come close, Thompson has yet to lift the Harton S. Semple trophy. Despite ending her streak, the 31-year-old hasn't ruled out another appearance at the U.S. Women's Open in the future.

What are your thoughts on Stark’s mindset? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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