Australia Shocks USA in Epic Upset to Claim LPGA International Crown Title

In a stunning display of precision and poise under pressure, Australia’s Minjee Lee and Hannah Green delivered back-to-back singles victories to propel their nation to the LPGA International Crown championship, dethroning the powerhouse United States in the final match on Sunday at the Andalucia Costa del Sol in Spain. This upset victory marks Australia’s first-ever win in the prestigious team event, ending the USA’s dominant run and igniting celebrations across the golf world.

The LPGA International Crown, a biennial tournament that pits the world’s top female golfers against each other in national team formats, has long been a showcase for international talent. Held every two years, it brings together four players from each qualifying country to compete in foursomes and fourball matches over three days, culminating in singles showdowns on the final day. This year’s edition, featuring 12 nations, highlighted the growing global depth in women’s golf, with Australia emerging as the surprise champion after a grueling 72-hole battle.

The final scoreline told a tale of resilience: Australia edged out the United States 15.5-14.5 in the overall match play, but it was the singles session that flipped the script. Minjee Lee, the world No. 5 and a major champion, birdied the 18th hole to defeat US star Nelly Korda 1-up, while Hannah Green, fresh off a strong season on the LPGA Tour, held off Lexi Thompson 2-up. These wins came after the USA had taken an early lead in the morning foursomes, setting the stage for a nail-biting afternoon.

Minjee Lee’s Heroic Birdie on 18 Ignites Australian Glory

Minjee Lee, the 27-year-old Perth native and 2022 U.S. Women’s Open winner, entered the final singles match against Nelly Korda as the underdog. Korda, ranked No. 2 in the world and a two-time Olympic medalist, had been on fire throughout the tournament, boasting a 3-0-0 record in prior matches. But Lee, known for her unflappable demeanor and laser-like iron play, turned the tide with a masterful back-nine performance.

The match was tied through 14 holes at the par-72 Real Club de Golf Las Brisas course, where swirling winds added to the drama. Lee, trailing by one after a bogey on the 15th, rallied with a 7-iron approach to three feet on the par-4 16th for a birdie that leveled the score. “I just focused on one shot at a time,” Lee said post-match, her voice steady amid the roaring crowd. “Nelly is incredible, but I knew if I stuck to my game, we’d get there.”

On the 18th, a treacherous 420-yard dogleg right, Lee drove 260 yards down the fairway and then stuck her wedge to 12 feet. Korda, who missed the green, couldn’t convert her par save, handing Lee the winning birdie putt. This victory not only secured the International Crown for Australia but also boosted Lee’s confidence heading into the season’s stretch run. Lee’s stats from the event were impressive: she finished 4-0-0 in her matches, averaging 68.5 strokes per round, with 12 birdies and just two bogeys.

For Australian golf fans, Lee’s performance evoked memories of past triumphs, like her 2019 Women’s PGA Championship win. Experts note that her mental fortitude, honed through years on the LPGA Tour, was key. “Minjee’s ability to stay composed in high-stakes moments is what separates champions,” said LPGA commentator Morgan Pressel. This win adds another layer to Lee’s resume, which already includes over $10 million in career earnings.

Hannah Green’s Steady Play Overpowers Lexi Thompson in Singles Thriller

Earlier in the afternoon, Hannah Green set the momentum for Australia’s charge with a composed 2-up victory over Lexi Thompson. The 26-year-old Western Australian, who claimed the 2019 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at just 22 years old, has been a consistent force on the LPGA circuit. Green entered the match with a 2-1-0 record in the tournament, her only loss coming in a tight fourball against South Korea.

Green jumped out to an early 2-up lead after winning the first two holes with pars while Thompson bogeyed both. The American, a 11-time LPGA winner and former world No. 1, fought back fiercely, squaring the match by the turn with birdies on the 7th and 9th. But Green’s short game proved decisive; she holed out from 15 feet for birdie on the 12th and saved par from off the green on the 14th to maintain her edge.

“Hannah’s putting was on another level today,” Thompson admitted in her post-match interview. “She’s tough to beat when she’s dialed in like that.” Green closed out the match on the 17th with a solid par, finishing the day at even par for the round. Her tournament performance included 10 birdies and a scoring average of 70.2, underscoring her reliability in team events.

Green’s win was particularly poignant given her journey. After a dip in form post-2020, she rebounded with three top-10 finishes this season, including a T3 at the recent Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational. This International Crown triumph could propel her into major contention at the upcoming AIG Women’s Open. For the Australian team, Green’s experience as a major winner provided the leadership needed to navigate the pressure cooker of international competition.

USA’s Powerhouse Lineup Stumbles in Critical Final Push

The United States entered the LPGA International Crown as heavy favorites, boasting a roster that included world No. 2 Nelly Korda, major champions Lexi Thompson and Jessica Korda, and rising star Rose Zhang. The Americans had won the event in its inaugural 2014 edition and finished second in 2016, amassing a 50-20-6 record across all appearances. Their morning foursomes win over Australia—led by Nelly Korda’s 4&3 victory with partner Jessica—gave them a slim 9-7 lead heading into singles.

However, the afternoon session exposed vulnerabilities. While Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson are household names, with combined career earnings exceeding $25 million, the team struggled with putting woes. The USA ranked last in the field for putts per green in regulation during the final round, averaging 1.8 three-putts per player. Rose Zhang, the 20-year-old amateur sensation who turned pro last year, went 1-2-0, her inexperience showing in a 3&2 loss to Australia’s Gabriela Ruffels in the anchor match.

“We had our chances, but the ball just didn’t go in,” said US captain Stacy Lewis, a three-time major winner. “Australia earned it—they outplayed us today.” The loss snaps the USA’s streak of three consecutive International Crown finals appearances with at least a share of the title. Despite the defeat, the team’s depth was evident: they outscored opponents by 22 strokes in stroke play qualification, securing the No. 1 seed.

This setback comes at a pivotal time for American golf, with the Solheim Cup looming in September. The USA, defending champions, will need to regroup, perhaps drawing lessons from this close call. LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan praised the competition: “The intensity here pushes everyone to new heights, and today’s matches were a perfect example.”

Australia’s Path to Victory: From Qualifiers to Championship Glory

Australia’s journey to the LPGA International Crown final was anything but straightforward. To qualify, the team needed two players in the top 20 of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings and two in the top 40—a threshold they cleared with Minjee Lee (No. 5), Hannah Green (No. 18), Steph Kyriacou (No. 32), and Gabriela Ruffels (No. 39). The selection process, overseen by Golf Australia, emphasized balance: mixing veterans with emerging talents.

In the group stage, Australia topped Pool A with a 4-1-0 record, defeating Japan 3.5-1.5 and Sweden 3-2 before a 3-2 loss to Thailand that tested their resolve. Key moments included Green’s 4&3 win over Japan’s Ayaka Furue in foursomes and Lee’s birdie barrage in fourball. The semifinals against South Korea, the 2018 and 2022 runners-up, went to the wire: Australia won 14-13, thanks to Ruffels’ halve against In Gee Chun.

Statistically, Australia excelled in ball-striking, ranking second in the tournament for greens in regulation at 78% and driving distance at 256 yards per player. Their putting, often a weakness, improved dramatically, with the team holing 65% of attempts inside 10 feet. This cohesive unit, coached by former LPGA player Karrie Webb, showcased the depth of Australian golf, which has produced six major winners since 2011.

The victory purse of $500,000, split among the team, underscores the event’s prestige. For context, the LPGA International Crown has distributed over $12 million in prizes since inception, promoting women’s golf globally. Australia’s win diversifies the champion roster, previously dominated by the USA, South Korea, and Thailand.

Global Impact: Boosting Women’s Golf and Future LPGA Horizons

Australia’s upset in the LPGA International Crown sends ripples through the world of women’s golf, highlighting the sport’s international growth. With participation rates up 15% in Australia over the past five years, according to Golf Australia, this title could inspire a new generation. Minjee Lee and Hannah Green’s heroics may draw more young players to the game, especially in a country where golf has traditionally lagged behind sports like cricket and rugby.

On the LPGA Tour, expect heightened focus on team events. The International Crown’s success—drawing 50,000 spectators and millions in TV viewership—bolsters the tour’s global footprint. Commissioner Samaan announced plans to expand the field to 16 nations by 2026, potentially including rising powers like Mexico and India. For the USA, this loss fuels motivation; Nelly Korda vowed, “We’ll be back stronger for the Solheim Cup.”

Looking ahead, both Lee and Green eye majors: Lee defends her title at the ISPS Handa Welwyn Garden City in the AIG Women’s Open next month, while Green targets the Evian Championship. Australia’s win elevates their status, possibly securing more LPGA events Down Under. As women’s golf surges— with prize money doubling to $100 million annually since 2018—this International Crown triumph reaffirms the LPGA’s role in empowering female athletes worldwide, promising even fiercer competition in the years to come.