Caddie Fuming as Maja Stark Snaps Her Putter in Frustration During Women’s PGA Championship
In a dramatic turn of events at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, Swedish golfer Maja Stark made headlines for all the wrong reasons after an emotional outburst saw her snap her putter over her golf bag—leaving her caddie visibly stunned and frustrated.
The incident occurred during the second round of the major tournament, held at the prestigious Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington. Stark, who has been a rising star on the LPGA Tour with a reputation for her competitive fire, was visibly struggling on the back nine. After missing a short par putt on the 15th hole—her third three-putt of the round—she reached her boiling point.
In front of fans, officials, and cameras, Stark slammed her putter against her golf bag with such force that the shaft snapped in half. Gasps could be heard from the gallery as the moment unfolded in real time. Her caddie, who had been trying to calm her throughout the round, looked on in disbelief, clearly angered by the unsportsmanlike display.
Caddie’s Reaction
While Stark attempted to continue play with a wedge to putt out the final few holes, her caddie’s body language spoke volumes. The two were seen exchanging sharp words walking to the 16th tee, and sources close to the tournament reported that the caddie was overheard expressing disappointment in her behavior after the round.
“It’s frustrating,” a source close to Stark’s team shared. “You work so hard to prepare for these moments, and when emotion takes over, it not only hurts your game, but also your team dynamic.”
LPGA Response
The LPGA has not yet issued an official statement, but the moment is already sparking conversations around sportsmanship and professionalism in women’s golf. While players are allowed to express emotion, damaging equipment is discouraged and could potentially lead to disciplinary action.
Tournament organizers have confirmed that Stark will not be fined for the incident, but she may be subject to further review depending on the LPGA’s internal assessment of player conduct.
A Tough Day for Stark
Coming into the tournament with high hopes, Stark had been expected to make a strong run at her first major title. Ranked in the top 30 in the world, her aggressive style and fearless mentality have made her a fan favorite. However, the pressure appeared to take a toll in this round, with missed fairways, lipped-out putts, and visible frustration throughout the day.
Speaking briefly to reporters after the round, Stark did not address the putter-breaking moment directly but admitted, “It was a rough day. I lost my rhythm and my focus out there, and I need to do better controlling my emotions.”
What’s Next?
Maja Stark still has a chance to make the cut, but much will depend on her performance in the remaining holes and how she mentally bounces back from this outburst. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how she handles the pressure moving forward—and whether she can regain composure in the next round.
For now, the moment remains a dramatic reminder of how intense the battle on the greens can become, even for the best in the world.
