What’s In The Bag: Maja Stark
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Today’s Golfer takes a look inside the bag of Swedish golfer Maja Stark, a six-time European Tour winner and 2023 Solheim Cup rookie.
At just 23, Swedish superstar, Maja Stark is a prolific winner on the Ladies European Tour, claiming six titles since 2021 and breaking into the world’s top 40 players in the process.
Only Celine Boutier of France secured more LET Solheim Cup points, joining second-placed Stark as Team Europe’s automatic qualifiers for the 2023 edition of the competition in Andalucia, Spain.
Stark’s biggest win to date was arguably her 5-stroke victory at the 2022 ISPS Handa World Invitational in Northern Ireland, finishing on an impressive 20-under par, earning her membership to the LPGA Tour.
The former Oklahoma State University player and 6th ranked amateur in the world has yet to finish higher than T9 in one of the five Major championships, although based on her LET results, a breakthrough performance on one of golf’s biggest stages might just be around the corner.
Let’s take a look at the Ping equipment used by Maja Stark in 2023.
What driver does Maja Stark use?
Maja Stark uses a Ping G430 LST driver (9°) with a Ping Tour 2.0 Black 65 stiff shaft
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Ping’s previous G425 drivers racked up 70+ tour wins so the new G430 has big shoes to fill. The LST has a smaller (440cc) head and a new carbon fiber wrap-over crown to remove inefficient weight. A 22g backweight gives a good degree of influence over the shot shape.
The Ping LST drivers traditionally have looked more intimidating at address, this new model looks more friendly and playable sat behind a ball. Ping says the 9,083gcm2 MOI is 5.5% higher than its G425 LST predecessor and is now at the level of most rivals’ more forgiving drivers.
Ping drivers usually favor forgiveness over all-out ball speed and distance, but our data shows the LST is a bit of a brute in 2023. The model was within 0.3mph of the fastest average ball speed of our entire test. And while posting data significantly better than our test averages for protecting ball speed and tightening dispersion, it was also our longest low-spin driver of 2023, with a carry distance of 282 yards – an impressive step forward from the previous model.
Thanks to the carbon crown upping the price, the G430 LST is a sizeable investment over previous titanium Ping drivers. But if your game will benefit from cutting spin and you don’t want to give up forgiveness unnecessarily, the LST will be good now and for years to come.
Read our full Ping G430 LST driver review.
The Ping LST drivers traditionally have looked more intimidating at address, this new model looks more friendly and playable sat behind a ball. Ping says the 9,083gcm2 MOI is 5.5% higher than its G425 LST predecessor and is now at the level of most rivals’ more forgiving drivers.
Ping drivers usually favor forgiveness over all-out ball speed and distance, but our data shows the LST is a bit of a brute in 2023. The model was within 0.3mph of the fastest average ball speed of our entire test. And while posting data significantly better than our test averages for protecting ball speed and tightening dispersion, it was also our longest low-spin driver of 2023, with a carry distance of 282 yards – an impressive step forward from the previous model.
Thanks to the carbon crown upping the price, the G430 LST is a sizeable investment over previous titanium Ping drivers. But if your game will benefit from cutting spin and you don’t want to give up forgiveness unnecessarily, the LST will be good now and for years to come.
Read our full Ping G430 LST driver review.
Pros
Cons
| Lofts | 9°, 10.5° |
| Stock shafts | Alta CB Black, Ping Tour 2.0 Chrome, Ping Tour 2.0 Black |
| Adjustable hosel | +/- 1.5° |
What hybrids does Maja Stark use?
Maja Stark uses a Ping G430 hybrid (19°) with an AWT 2.0 stiff shaft
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Stark also carries a Ping prototype fairway wood (15°) to bridge the gap between her 9° driver and 19° hybrid.
Ping is just about the only brand who’ve stuck to their guns and always insisted on putting adjustable hosels in their hybrids, it’s a decision that offers additional flexibility and versatility. Ping refers to their hybrids as ‘Gap Fillers’ and their adjustable hosel with +/- 1.5º of loft flexibility helps golfers get the exact set-up to cover off good distance gaps in their own game. That isn’t an option with fixed hosel models.
Apart from the really attractive and friendly mid-width head shape we also like how golfers get six different shaft options, this model can suit a very wide audience of different player types. Apart from posting our 2nd fastest ball speed (145.1mph) the G430 at 226 yards was our 4th longest hybrid this year. At nearly £300 a pop they’re not cheap, but irrespective of speed if you’re intent on sorting the top end of your bag this year, the G430 will definitely help.
Read our full Ping G430 hybrid review.
Ping is just about the only brand who’ve stuck to their guns and always insisted on putting adjustable hosels in their hybrids, it’s a decision that offers additional flexibility and versatility. Ping refers to their hybrids as ‘Gap Fillers’ and their adjustable hosel with +/- 1.5º of loft flexibility helps golfers get the exact set-up to cover off good distance gaps in their own game. That isn’t an option with fixed hosel models.
Apart from the really attractive and friendly mid-width head shape we also like how golfers get six different shaft options, this model can suit a very wide audience of different player types. Apart from posting our 2nd fastest ball speed (145.1mph) the G430 at 226 yards was our 4th longest hybrid this year. At nearly £300 a pop they’re not cheap, but irrespective of speed if you’re intent on sorting the top end of your bag this year, the G430 will definitely help.
Read our full Ping G430 hybrid review.
Pros
Cons
| Lofts: | 2H – 17° / 3H – 19° / 4H – 22° / 5H – 26° / 6H – 30° / 7H – 34° |
| Stock shaft: | Ping Alta Quick, Ping Alta Black, Ping Tour 2.0 Chrome |
What irons does Maja Stark use?
Maja Stark uses Ping i210 irons (4-PW) with KBS Tour V 120 X shafts
Price: 126.00 / $188.00 RRP per club
Stark opts to game the i210 model as opposed to its successor the Ping i230 irons.
The i210s are an excellent players’ iron. So good, in fact, that our test pro swapped his iBlades for a set! Their ability to marry good looks with decent levels of playability is what convinced players like Lee Westwood and Tyrrell Hatton to use them.
Unlike muscle-back blades, which are favored by some of the very top players on tour, the i210 is also a great option for good club golfers looking for a solid, reliable iron to keep in the bag for years. Our test pro was particularly impressed with the extra feel he got over the Ping i500s, which can only be put down to additional elastomer in the head which creeps further up the back of the face, supporting the head’s structure and dampening vibration. Put simply, an excellent choice for good golfers.
Read our full Ping i210 irons review.
The i210s are an excellent players’ iron. So good, in fact, that our test pro swapped his iBlades for a set! Their ability to marry good looks with decent levels of playability is what convinced players like Lee Westwood and Tyrrell Hatton to use them.
Unlike muscle-back blades, which are favored by some of the very top players on tour, the i210 is also a great option for good club golfers looking for a solid, reliable iron to keep in the bag for years. Our test pro was particularly impressed with the extra feel he got over the Ping i500s, which can only be put down to additional elastomer in the head which creeps further up the back of the face, supporting the head’s structure and dampening vibration. Put simply, an excellent choice for good golfers.
Read our full Ping i210 irons review.
| Availability | 3-UW |
| 7-iron loft | 33° |
| Stock shafts | Ping AWT 2.0, True Temper XP95, KBS Tour, various others |
What wedges does Maja Stark use?
Maja Stark uses Ping Glide 4.0 wedges (50°, 54°, 60°) with Nippon Modus 3 shafts
Price: £160.00 / $199.00 RRP
Ping’s fourth-generation Glide 4.0 wedge is halfway between a full-on blade wedge and a much deeper traditional cavity back. By splitting weight low and high in the blade stability is increased, which ups consistency particularly well when shots are hit high on the face.
Compared to previous models there’s a slightly shorter blade length, which improves cosmetics, and the model is generally just more attractively shaped.
A lovely wedge that comes with a finish that’s great at dissipating moisture, so you can expect zero reduction in spin between dry and damp conditions.
There’s also a slightly longer grip, which is great for whenever you need to grip down and hit delicate approaches with additional control. The 4.0 didn’t quite nudge its way into the upper echelons of our best golf wedges data charts for spin (8,497 rpm), but it was our pro’s most accurate wedge with shots hit into a stunning 10.8 sq yds area.
Read our full Ping Glide 4.0 wedge review.
Compared to previous models there’s a slightly shorter blade length, which improves cosmetics, and the model is generally just more attractively shaped.
A lovely wedge that comes with a finish that’s great at dissipating moisture, so you can expect zero reduction in spin between dry and damp conditions.
There’s also a slightly longer grip, which is great for whenever you need to grip down and hit delicate approaches with additional control. The 4.0 didn’t quite nudge its way into the upper echelons of our best golf wedges data charts for spin (8,497 rpm), but it was our pro’s most accurate wedge with shots hit into a stunning 10.8 sq yds area.
Read our full Ping Glide 4.0 wedge review.
Pros
Cons
| Lofts: | 46° / 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° |
| Grind options: | T Grind, S Grind, W Grind, E Grind |
| Finishes: | Hydropearl 2.0 Satin |
| Stock shaft: | Ping Z-Z115 Wedge or AWT 2.0 Wedge (s) Ping Alta CB Red (g) |
What putter does Maja Stark use?
Maja Stark uses a Ping Fetch putter
Price: 250.00 / $307.99 RRP
The Fetch has been a really good putter for a good few years now, just ask Lee Westwood, he’s won plenty of cash out on tour with his. This new model with a sightline that runs all the way to the ball is a decent improvement on what is a pretty compact mallet head.
We really like how there’s a golf ball width gauge, as well as a single sight. It’s a feature that has really come into fashion on competing models like the Odyssey 2-Ball Ten and the new TaylorMade Spider S and SR. The idea just gives an extra layer of visual aid to help you impact putts on the center of the face.
The Fetch comes as standard with the PP58 Mid grip, we reckon though as it’s a stability style model it’s a prime contender to be upgraded to the slightly larger and excellent new PP60. It goes without saying the golf ball-sized hole in the sole is the best ball scoop on the market.
We really like how there’s a golf ball width gauge, as well as a single sight. It’s a feature that has really come into fashion on competing models like the Odyssey 2-Ball Ten and the new TaylorMade Spider S and SR. The idea just gives an extra layer of visual aid to help you impact putts on the center of the face.
The Fetch comes as standard with the PP58 Mid grip, we reckon though as it’s a stability style model it’s a prime contender to be upgraded to the slightly larger and excellent new PP60. It goes without saying the golf ball-sized hole in the sole is the best ball scoop on the market.
| Stroke type | Tyne 4 – Strong Arc, Tyne C – Straight |
| Weight | 365g |
| Stock grip | PP58 Mid |
What golf ball does Maja Stark use?
Maja Stark uses a Titleist Pro V1 golf ball
Best tour standard premium golf balls
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Titleist have been manufacturing iterations of the Pro V1 since the early 2000s and over time they have continuously increased in popularity - both on Tour and in the amateur game. Alongside the Titleist Pro V1x, both balls have amassed over 3000 Tour victories, making them the most successful golf balls in the professional game. From the Pro V1 golf balls, you get a reliable flight and ultimately a ball you can trust to perform well from tee to green.
The Pro V1 is extremely long off the tee and performs incredibly well approaching greens and in the short game. This ball is Titleists' softer premium golf ball compared to the Pro V1x which is slightly firmer. Pro V1s are much loved by many of the world's greatest golfers for their overall high-quality performance and feel, which warrants a premium price. To some, this is understandable because they are arguably the best golf balls.
For those golfers who require a lower compression golf ball that flies lower and spins less in the long game, the AVX is definitely worth trying as an alternative to the No.1 ball in golf.
Read our full Titleist Pro V1 golf balls review
The Pro V1 is extremely long off the tee and performs incredibly well approaching greens and in the short game. This ball is Titleists' softer premium golf ball compared to the Pro V1x which is slightly firmer. Pro V1s are much loved by many of the world's greatest golfers for their overall high-quality performance and feel, which warrants a premium price. To some, this is understandable because they are arguably the best golf balls.
For those golfers who require a lower compression golf ball that flies lower and spins less in the long game, the AVX is definitely worth trying as an alternative to the No.1 ball in golf.
Read our full Titleist Pro V1 golf balls review
Pros
- Tighter dispersion than the previous model
- Brilliant distance for quicker swing speeds
- Exceptional spin on approach shots
- Fantastic feel off the club face
- Played by a host of the world's best golfers
Cons
- Urethane cover marks quite easily
| Construction | 3-piece |
| Cover | Cast urethane elastomer |
| Compression | 87-90 |
| Dimples | 388 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | Mid |
| Long game spin | Very low |
| Short game spin | High |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
- High gradient core design
- Speed amplifying high-flex casing layer
- Cast thermoset urethane cover
- Spherically tiled tetrahedral dimple design
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– WITB Celine Boutier
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Maja Stark: What's In The Bag 2023
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Maja Stark uses a Ping Fetch putter
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Maja Stark uses a Ping G430 hybrid
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Maja Stark uses a Ping G430 LST driver
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Maja Stark uses Ping Glide 4.0 wedges
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Maja Stark uses Ping i210 irons
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Maja Stark uses a Ping prototype fairway wood
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Maja Stark wins the 2022 ISPS Handa World Invitational
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Ping Fetch 2021 Putter
