Australia Stuns United States to Secure First-Ever LPGA International Crown Title in Epic Golf Battle

Australia‘s Historic Triumph Over the Defending Champions

In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the world of professional golf, Australia defeated the United States to claim their maiden LPGA International Crown title on Sunday at the Centurion Club in England. Led by the powerhouse duo of Minjee Lee and Hannah Green, the Australian team overcame the star-studded American squad in a tense fourball and foursomes format, finishing with a commanding 15.5-4.5 victory margin. This marks the first time Australia has lifted the trophy in the event’s six-year history, a feat that not only ends the United States’ bid for a third consecutive win but also signals a rising tide of international talent in women’s golf.

The LPGA International Crown, a biennial team competition featuring the top 20 countries based on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, pits national squads against each other in a mix of match-play formats. Australia’s path to glory was paved by consistent performances across all sessions, with the team amassing points through strategic pairings and clutch moments. The final day’s decisive matches saw Australia extend their lead, turning what was once a competitive affair into a dominant display. As the final putt dropped, celebrations erupted among the Australian contingent, who had entered the tournament as underdogs against the powerhouse from the United States.

This victory is particularly poignant for Australian golf, a sport that has long been overshadowed by the nation’s prowess in other disciplines like cricket and rugby. With a total prize purse of $2 million and national pride on the line, the win underscores the growing depth in Australian women’s golf. LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan praised the event’s competitive spirit, stating, “The International Crown continues to showcase the global reach of the LPGA, and today’s result is a testament to the incredible talent emerging from Australia.”

The tournament, which ran from November 7-10, 2024, drew a global audience of over 500,000 viewers, highlighting the event’s appeal in bridging national rivalries with the elegance of golf. Australia’s success wasn’t just about skill; it was a narrative of resilience, with the team navigating rainy conditions and high-pressure moments to outmaneuver their opponents.

Minjee Lee and Hannah Green’s Dynamic Duo Delivers Clutch Victories

At the heart of Australia’s LPGA International Crown conquest were Minjee Lee and Hannah Green, whose combined efforts accounted for nearly half of the team’s points. Minjee Lee, the world No. 7 and a two-time major champion, was instrumental in the opening session, partnering with Green to secure a 3&2 win over the American pair of Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson in the foursomes. Lee’s pinpoint iron play and Green’s steady putting proved insurmountable, as the duo birdied the par-4 12th to pull ahead decisively.

Hannah Green, fresh off a T3 finish at the recent KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, emerged as the tournament’s top performer with a flawless 4-0 record. Her highlight came in the final singles match against Alison Lee of the United States, where she holed a 15-foot birdie putt on the 18th green to clinch a 1-up victory. “It’s surreal to finally get this win for Australia,” Green said post-match, her voice tinged with emotion. “Minjee and I have dreamed of this moment since we were juniors back home.”

Lee echoed the sentiment, crediting the team’s chemistry: “We’ve known each other for years, and that trust translated into some magic on the course. Beating the United States in this format is no small feat—they’re the benchmark in women’s golf.” Statistically, Lee finished with three wins and one halve, contributing 3.5 points, while Green’s undefeated streak added four more. Their performances boosted Australia’s Solheim Cup qualification hopes and elevated their individual Rolex Rankings.

Beyond the stars, emerging talents like Sarah Kemp and Gabriela Ruffels provided crucial support. Kemp’s upset win over Rose Zhang in the afternoon foursomes was a turning point, showcasing Australia’s bench depth. The team’s overall scoring average of 68.2 strokes per round outpaced the United States‘ 70.1, a testament to their preparation under captain Karrie Webb, a seven-time LPGA winner herself.

Decisive Matches That Swung Momentum Toward Australia

The LPGA International Crown’s structure—two days of foursomes, two of fourball, and a final singles day—demanded versatility, and Australia excelled in every phase. The tournament kicked off with a bang for the Aussies, who won three of the four foursomes matches on Day 1, including a dramatic 1-up victory by Lee and Green over Korda and Thompson. This early lead of 3-1 set the tone, pressuring the United States team, which struggled with uncharacteristic errors under the weight of expectations.

Day 2’s fourball session saw Australia extend their advantage to 9-3, highlighted by a 4&3 rout by Ruffels and Kemp over Jennifer Kupcho and Angel Yin. The Americans managed only one win, courtesy of Danielle Kang and Jessica Korda, but it wasn’t enough to stem the tide. “We came out firing, but Australia’s consistency caught us off guard,” admitted U.S. captain Juli Inkster post-round. Key statistics from the session: Australia converted 72% of birdie opportunities, compared to the United States‘ 58%, underscoring their edge in pressure situations.

The final day was a coronation rather than a contest, with Australia securing 6.5 of 8 points in the singles and mixed formats. Notable moments included Green’s aforementioned clincher and Lee’s 2&1 win over Thompson, where she drained a 20-foot eagle putt on the par-5 7th. The United States salvaged some pride with wins from Korda and Lilia Vu, but the damage was done. Overall, Australia won 10 matches outright, halved two, and lost just four—a lopsided scoreline that belies the talent on both sides.

Weather played a subtle role, with persistent drizzle favoring the Australians’ familiarity with variable conditions from home courses. The Centurion Club’s 6,748-yard layout, with its undulating greens and strategic bunkering, rewarded precision—precisely Australia’s strength. This victory echoes Australia’s 2019 Asia-Pacific Amateur success, signaling a pattern of international breakthroughs.

Australia’s Golf Renaissance and the Fall of U.S. Dominance

For Australia, this LPGA International Crown win is more than a trophy; it’s a milestone in the nation’s golf evolution. Women’s golf Down Under has seen exponential growth, with participation rates up 25% since 2015, according to Golf Australia. Stars like Lee and Green have inspired a new generation, filling academies and junior programs. The victory could inject millions into grassroots initiatives, as government funding often follows such successes.

Historically, the International Crown—launched in 2019—has been a U.S. stronghold, with the team winning in 2019 and 2023. This loss snaps that streak and highlights vulnerabilities: injuries to key players like Brooke Henderson (Canada) aside, the Americans’ reliance on a few stars exposed their depth issues. LPGA data shows the United States still holds 12 of the top 50 world rankings, but emerging nations like Australia, South Korea, and Sweden are closing the gap.

Quotes from the sidelines captured the shift. Karrie Webb, Australia’s captain, remarked, “This team embodies the spirit of Australian golf—tough, united, and unrelenting.” Nelly Korda, the world No. 1, was gracious in defeat: “Australia played lights out. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.” The event’s $500,000 winner’s share for Australia will fund charitable causes, including junior golf programs in indigenous communities.

Broader context: The LPGA Tour’s global expansion, with events in Asia and Europe, has diversified talent pools. Australia’s win boosts the tour’s international appeal, potentially drawing more sponsorships from brands like Rolex and Airbus. It also sets the stage for the 2025 Solheim Cup, where both teams will vie for redemption.

Looking Ahead: Australia’s Victory Reshapes Women’s Golf Landscape

As the dust settles on the 2024 LPGA International Crown, the implications for women’s golf are profound. For Australia, this triumph catapults the team into the spotlight, with Lee and Green likely to see endorsement deals skyrocket—Lee’s current portfolio with Adidas and Titleist could expand significantly. The win also secures automatic qualification spots for the 2025 Hanwha Lifeplus International Crown, giving the Aussies a head start in defending their title.

The United States faces introspection, with captain Inkster hinting at squad overhauls. Emerging American talents like Rose Zhang and Akina Fujita will need to step up, especially as the LPGA’s average player age trends younger at 28.5 years. Globally, the event’s success—up 15% in viewership from 2023—reinforces the LPGA’s mission to grow the sport, with plans for a 2027 edition in Asia.

Forward momentum includes Australia’s push for more LPGA events Down Under, potentially a co-sanctioned tournament in Sydney by 2026. For fans, this victory inspires: it proves that underdogs can topple giants in golf‘s team arena. As Green put it, “This is just the beginning for Australian women’s golf.” The International Crown’s next chapter promises even fiercer competition, with nations like South Korea and England gearing up to challenge the new champions.

In the end, Australia’s landmark achievement not only rewrites the LPGA history books but also ignites a passion for golf across borders, ensuring the sport’s vibrant future.