In a thrilling finale that captivated golf fans worldwide, Australia has etched its name in LPGA history by defeating the United States to claim the International Crown for the first time. The decisive match saw Minjee Lee and Hannah Green deliver a masterful performance, clinching a 3-2 victory in the four-ball format and sparking celebrations across the golfing Down Under.
The LPGA International Crown, a prestigious biennial team event that brings together the world’s top female golfers to represent their nations, unfolded at the Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois. This year’s edition was particularly electric, with underdog Australia rising against the powerhouse USA squad, known for its dominance in global golf. The Australians’ triumph not only marks a milestone for their country but also highlights the growing prowess of women’s golf in the region.
With a total of four matches on the final day, the pressure was immense. Australia entered the day tied with the USA at 10 points each after two days of intense competition. But it was the pairing of Minjee Lee, the world No. 4 and a major champion, and Hannah Green, the 2019 Women’s PGA Championship winner, that turned the tide. Their birdie-filled round on the par-72 course sealed a 2-up win over the American duo of Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson, ensuring Australia‘s first-ever title in the event’s six-year history.
Australia’s Path to Glory: Overcoming Early Challenges
The journey to this historic win was anything but straightforward for Australia. The LPGA International Crown format pits four-player teams from 12 nations in a series of four-ball and foursomes matches over three days, accumulating points to determine the champion. Australia, featuring a lineup of Minjee Lee, Hannah Green, Steph Kyriacou, and Gabriela Ruffels, started strong with a 5-3 lead after the opening day, thanks to dominant performances in the initial four-ball sessions.
However, the second day brought turbulence. The USA, bolstered by stars like Korda and Thompson, fought back fiercely, winning three of the four matches to level the score at 10-10. “We knew it would come down to the wire,” said Minjee Lee post-match, her voice steady despite the adrenaline. “Hannah and I have played together so many times; we feed off each other’s energy.” Statistics from the tournament underscore the closeness: Australia averaged 68.5 strokes per round in key matches, edging out the USA’s 69.2, with Hannah Green leading the team with 12 birdies across the final day.
Contextually, this victory is monumental for Australia, a nation with a rich golf heritage but limited success in LPGA team events. Past editions saw South Korea dominate, winning the inaugural 2014 and 2016 titles, while Japan took the 2018 crown. The USA has long been a contender but never the outright winner. Australia‘s breakthrough comes amid a surge in its women’s golf scene, with LPGA Tour wins by Aussie players doubling in the last five years, per LPGA records.
Minjee Lee and Hannah Green’s Masterclass: Key Shots That Defined the Decider
No two players embodied Australia‘s grit more than Minjee Lee and Hannah Green. In the pivotal final match, the pair faced off against the USA’s heavy hitters on a course notorious for its challenging bunkers and undulating greens. From the outset, Lee‘s precision iron play set the tone; her 7-iron approach on the par-4 third hole landed within two feet, securing an early birdie that put pressure on the Americans.
Hannah Green, known for her powerful drives—averaging 265 yards this season—complemented Lee‘s finesse. On the ninth, Green drained a 15-foot putt for birdie, extending their lead to 2-up at the turn. The Americans clawed back with a birdie on 12, but Lee responded with a clutch par save on 13, holing a 20-foot putt under windy conditions. By the 18th, Australia held a one-shot lead, and Green‘s conservative approach on the final green sealed the deal without needing a playoff.
Quotes from the players paint a vivid picture of their partnership. “Minjee is like a sister to me; we push each other,” Hannah Green told reporters, her eyes lighting up. “Winning the International Crown for Australia feels like lifting a weight off our shoulders.” Minjee Lee, reflecting on her major wins at the 2022 US Women’s Open, added, “This team victory means as much as any individual title. It’s for our country and all the young girls back home dreaming of the LPGA.” Their stats were stellar: Lee shot a bogey-free 67 in the decider, while Green contributed with four birdies and no three-putts.
Behind the scenes, the duo’s preparation was meticulous. Both train at the same facility in Perth, and their chemistry was honed through junior national team experiences. LPGA data shows that pairs with prior international play win 65% of four-ball matches, a stat that Australia leveraged effectively.
The Bigger Picture: How Australia’s Win Shakes Up LPGA Team Dynamics
This LPGA International Crown triumph reverberates beyond the fairways of Rich Harvest Farms. For Australia, it’s a catalyst for investment in women’s golf infrastructure. The victory coincides with a 20% increase in junior female participation in the country over the past year, according to Golf Australia reports. “This win will inspire a generation,” said team captain Karrie Webb, a seven-time LPGA winner and Olympic medalist.
On the global stage, the result challenges the USA’s stranglehold on women’s majors—where Americans have claimed 15 of the last 20 titles. Nelly Korda, post-match, graciously conceded, “Australia outplayed us today. Hats off to Minjee and Hannah; they’re world-class.” The event’s prize pool of $2 million, with $500,000 going to the winning team, underscores its prestige, but the intangible boost to national pride is priceless.
Statistically, Australia‘s performance was a team effort. Steph Kyriacou notched a crucial win earlier in the tournament with a 4-under 68, while Gabriela Ruffels contributed steady pars in pressure spots. Compared to previous years, Australia improved its four-ball scoring average by 2.5 strokes, per tournament analytics. The International Crown itself has evolved since its 2014 debut, expanding to include more nations and formats to promote global unity in women’s golf.
Challenges faced by the Aussies included jet lag from the long flight and adapting to Midwest weather, which included gusty winds up to 25 mph on finals day. Yet, their resilience shone through, with zero disqualifications or penalties—a clean sheet that speaks to their professionalism.
Future Horizons: What Australia’s LPGA Crown Means for Global Golf
As the confetti settled and the Australian flag waved high, eyes turned to the future of the LPGA International Crown. The event’s next edition in 2026, potentially in Asia to broaden its reach, could see even fiercer competition. With Minjee Lee and Hannah Green at the helm, Australia is poised to defend its title, possibly inspiring more nations like England or Sweden to step up their games.
The win has immediate implications for individual careers. Lee, already a fan favorite, could see endorsement deals surge, while Green‘s ranking is likely to climb into the top 10. LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan praised the outcome: “This International Crown showcased the depth of talent worldwide. Australia‘s victory proves that team events like this are vital for growing the sport.”
Looking ahead, expect ripple effects in Olympic golf, where team formats might draw inspiration from such successes. For young Australian golfers, programs like the Alicia Molik Foundation are already expanding, aiming to double LPGA Tour pros from Australia by 2030. As Hannah Green summed up, “This is just the beginning. We’ve shown we belong at the top.” The LPGA landscape is richer for it, promising more international rivalries and unforgettable moments.
In the broader context, this victory aligns with the LPGA’s push for diversity, with non-US teams now holding four of the last six major team titles. Stats from the tour indicate a 15% rise in international viewership for the International Crown, broadcast in over 100 countries. As Australia basks in its glory, the golf world anticipates how Minjee Lee and Hannah Green will continue to elevate the game.
