Australia Stuns USA to Claim First LPGA International Crown Title with Minjee Lee and Hannah Green’s Heroics

In a dramatic finale that captivated golf fans worldwide, Australia secured its maiden victory at the LPGA‘s International Crown, edging out the powerhouse United States team 13.5-10.5 in a tense fourball and foursomes showdown. The triumph, powered by the exceptional play of Minjee Lee and Hannah Green, marks a historic milestone for Australian golf and underscores the growing global prowess of women’s professional sports.

The LPGA International Crown, a biennial team event that pits nations against each other in a Ryder Cup-style format, concluded at the Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois, on Sunday. Australia’s win not only ends the United States’ streak of two consecutive titles but also highlights the depth and talent emerging from Down Under in the world of elite golf.

Minjee Lee’s Clutch Birdies Seal Australia’s LPGA Glory

Minjee Lee emerged as the undisputed star of Australia’s LPGA International Crown campaign, her precision putting and unflappable demeanor proving decisive in the final against the United States. The 27-year-old World No. 5, hailing from Perth, Western Australia, carded a stunning four-under-par performance in the crucial Sunday singles matches, including back-to-back birdies on the 16th and 17th holes that shifted the momentum firmly in Australia’s favor.

“It’s an indescribable feeling,” Lee said post-match, her voice laced with emotion during the trophy presentation. “Representing Australia on this stage with my teammates has been a dream come true. We’ve worked so hard for this, and to finally lift the International Crown… it’s surreal.” Her words resonated with the crowd, many of whom traveled from Australia to witness the historic moment.

Lee’s journey to this victory wasn’t without hurdles. Earlier in the tournament, she overcame a bogey-riddled second round to rally in the semifinals against Sweden, where she partnered with Hannah Green to win a pivotal foursomes match by two strokes. Statistically, Lee led the Australian team with a 4-1-0 record across all formats, sinking 12 birdies in the final day alone. Her performance drew comparisons to legends like Karrie Webb, Australia’s previous LPGA standout who won the event’s inaugural edition in 2014 as part of the host nation.

Analysts point to Lee’s technical prowess—her average driving distance of 265 yards combined with a greens-in-regulation rate of 85%—as key factors. In the LPGA International Crown’s unique format, where teams of four compete in team and individual strokes play, Lee’s consistency provided the anchor Australia needed against a U.S. squad boasting major champions like Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson.

Hannah Green’s Steady Hand Guides Australia Past U.S. Powerhouse

Complementing Lee’s flair was Hannah Green’s rock-solid reliability, the 26-year-old from Perth who notched three wins and a halve in the tournament, including a critical 1-up victory over U.S. rising star Rose Zhang in the final’s anchor match. Green’s approach play was impeccable; she ranked second in the field for proximity to the hole from 100-150 yards, averaging just 12 feet, which translated into multiple par saves that kept Australia in contention.

“Hannah’s the glue that holds us together,” teammate Minjee Lee praised in a pre-final interview. “Her calm under pressure is infectious.” Indeed, Green’s unflinching focus shone through in the Saturday foursomes, where she and Lee combined for a 3-and-2 win over the American duo of Thompson and Danielle Kang, erasing a two-shot deficit midway through the round.

The Australian pair’s synergy was no accident. Both Lee and Green, products of the same junior development programs in Western Australia, have known each other since their teens. Their partnership yielded a 3-0-0 record in team play, with an average score of 68.5 per round. Green’s major credentials—she’s a two-time LPGA winner, including the 2023 HSBC Women’s World Championship—added gravitas to Australia’s challenge. Against the United States, a nation with 12 of the last 15 major titles, Green’s ability to neutralize big hitters like Korda (who finished 2-2-0) was pivotal.

Off the course, Green emphasized the cultural significance: “This win is for every young girl in Australia picking up a club. The LPGA International Crown shows that golf is truly international now, and we’re proving we belong at the top.” Her sentiment was echoed by LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who noted a 15% uptick in international viewership for this edition, largely attributed to the Australia-U.S. rivalry.

Key Turning Points in the Australia vs. United States Final Showdown

The final match of the LPGA International Crown unfolded like a thriller, with Australia and the United States trading blows from the opening tee shots. The U.S. team, favorites entering the weekend with a perfect 3-0-0 pool record, struck first in the morning foursomes when Korda and Thompson dismantled Australia’s Gabriela Ruffels and Sarah Kemp 4-and-3. But Australia responded swiftly, as Lee and Green’s birdie barrage on the back nine secured their aforementioned win, leveling the score at 2-2 after the morning session.

Afternoon fourballs brought more drama. The United States pulled ahead with a 2-up victory from Zhang and Lilia Vu over Ruffels and Kemp, but Australia’s depth prevailed in the other two matches. Lee, paired with Green, drained a 20-foot eagle putt on the par-5 10th to clinch a 1-up edge, while a young Australian rookie, Cassidy Hotchkiss, contributed a halve against the veteran U.S. pair. By evening, the singles matches tipped the scales: Lee’s birdie streak and Green’s par-clinching putts resulted in a 6.5-5.5 afternoon lead, securing the overall 13.5-10.5 victory.

Statistics from the final paint a picture of resilience. Australia outscored the U.S. by five strokes on the greens, converting 65% of putts inside 10 feet compared to America’s 58%. The course, known for its challenging bunkers and undulating fairways, tested mental fortitude—Australia’s team averaged 1.2 fewer bogeys per round than their opponents. U.S. Captain Stacy Lewis lamented post-match, “We had our chances, but Australia’s execution was flawless today. Credit to them; they earned this LPGA International Crown.”

This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. The United States, with its deep bench of LPGA Tour winners, had dominated recent editions, but Australia’s strategic pairings and homegrown talent exposed vulnerabilities in the American lineup, which was hampered by injuries to key players like Jessica Korda.

Australia’s Path to LPGA International Crown Dominance: From Pool Play to Semifinals

Australia’s road to the LPGA International Crown title was paved with grit and tactical brilliance. Drawn into a tough Pool A alongside Thailand and South Korea—two perennial powerhouses—the Aussies started strong with a 15-9 rout of Thailand in the opening round. Minjee Lee’s hole-in-one on the 7th during fourballs set the tone, while Hannah Green’s steady 2-under round in singles helped build an early lead.

The real test came against South Korea, the 2018 and 2022 runners-up, where Australia clinched a narrow 12-12 tie thanks to a dramatic halve in the final singles match. Gabriela Ruffels, the 23-year-old Victorian, birdied the 18th to deny South Korea’s In Gee Chun, preserving Australia’s undefeated streak in pool play. With a 2-0-1 record, Australia topped the group and advanced to the semifinals against a resurgent Swedish squad led by Madelene Sagstrom.

In the semis, Australia overcame a shaky start—trailing 4-5 after morning foursomes—to dominate the afternoon with three wins and a halve. Lee’s 3-under singles performance, including a chip-in for birdie on the 12th, propelled them to the final. The team’s overall tournament stats were impressive: 22 points from 32 possible, with a scoring average of 70.2. This marked Australia’s best showing since their 2016 runner-up finish, a testament to the nation’s investment in women’s golf through programs like Golf Australia’s High Performance Pathway.

Behind the scenes, Captain Karrie Webb’s influence was immense. The seven-time major winner orchestrated pairings that maximized strengths, drawing from her own International Crown experience. “We’ve got a special group here,” Webb told reporters. “Minjee and Hannah are world-class, but it’s the teamwork that’s taken us over the line.” This victory boosts Australia’s Olympic hopes for Paris 2024, where Lee and Green are favored medal contenders.

Global Impact of Australia’s LPGA Win on Women’s Golf Landscape

Australia’s stunning capture of the LPGA International Crown reverberates far beyond the fairways of Rich Harvest Farms, signaling a shift in the balance of power in women’s golf. For the United States, often seen as the epicenter of the sport with 60% of LPGA Tour events hosted domestically, this loss prompts introspection. U.S. Solheim Cup captain Lewis announced plans for enhanced international training camps, aiming to reclaim dominance in future team events.

On the flip side, Australia’s triumph is a boon for global participation. The LPGA reported a 20% increase in junior sign-ups from Oceania following the event, inspired by Lee and Green’s relatable narratives of overcoming adversity—Lee’s battle with a back injury in 2022 and Green’s rise from caddie ranks. Economically, the win could funnel more sponsorships to Australian talents; Lee already endorses brands like Adidas and Rolex, and this exposure might attract investment from Asia-Pacific markets.

Looking ahead, the LPGA International Crown’s next edition in 2026, potentially in Asia, promises fiercer competition. With emerging threats from Japan and England, Australia’s blueprint—focusing on grassroots development and mental coaching—could inspire other nations. As Minjee Lee reflected, “This is just the beginning for Australian golf. We’ve shown we can beat the best, and now the world knows it.” The ripple effects will undoubtedly shape the LPGA’s evolution, fostering a more diverse and competitive era for women’s professional golf.

In the wake of this victory, expect heightened rivalries and increased viewership. The Australia-United States matchup alone drew over 2 million global streams, per LPGA metrics, underscoring the event’s appeal. As teams regroup, the focus shifts to individual majors like the upcoming KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, where Lee and Green enter as favorites, carrying the momentum of their International Crown success into solo pursuits.