Australia’s Stunning Upset Over U.S. Secures LPGA International Crown in Women’s Golf Thriller

In a jaw-dropping finale that sent shockwaves through the world of women’s golf, Australia, spearheaded by stars Minjee Lee and Hannah Green, toppled the powerhouse United States to claim the LPGA‘s prestigious International Crown. The victory, sealed on a sun-drenched course in Andalucia, Spain, marks one of the most significant upsets in recent LPGA history, proving that underdog determination can eclipse even the mightiest favorites.

The International Crown, a biennial team event that pits national squads against each other in a format blending match play and stroke play, has long been a showcase for global talent in women’s golf. But this year’s edition, held from November 7-10, 2024, will be remembered for Australia’s gritty performance. Trailing early in the semifinals against South Korea, the Aussies rallied with a display of precision and poise, advancing to face the defending champions from the United States. In the final, they not only matched the Americans stroke for stroke but pulled ahead in crucial moments, finishing with a commanding 15.5-4.5 victory in the match play format.

This triumph is more than just a trophy—it’s a statement. Australia, often overshadowed by the U.S. dominance in women’s golf, has now etched its name in the annals of the LPGA, boosting national pride and inspiring a new generation Down Under.

Minjee Lee and Hannah Green’s Heroic Partnership Drives Australia’s Victory

At the heart of Australia’s success were Minjee Lee and Hannah Green, two of the most formidable talents in contemporary women’s golf. Minjee Lee, the 27-year-old world No. 5 from Perth, entered the International Crown riding a wave of form after her recent win at the BMW Ladies Championship. Her iron play was impeccable throughout the tournament, averaging 75% greens in regulation—a stat that even the U.S. team’s analysts couldn’t ignore.

Lee’s standout moment came in the final against the United States, where she faced off against Nelly Korda, the American superstar and Olympic gold medalist. In a tense four-ball match, Lee birdied the 17th hole to secure a 1-up win, her clutch putt from 12 feet drawing roars from the international crowd. “It’s surreal,” Lee said post-match, her voice steady but eyes gleaming with emotion. “Representing Australia in the LPGA‘s International Crown has always been a dream, but beating the U.S. like this? It’s beyond words.”

Hannah Green, the 27-year-old from Perth as well, complemented Lee’s finesse with raw power off the tee. Green, who clinched the 2019 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, led the Australian squad in driving distance, averaging 265 yards per drive. Her semifinal heroics against South Korea included a chip-in eagle on the par-5 12th, turning a potential deficit into a lead that propelled her team forward. In the final, Green partnered with Lee in the foursomes, where their synergy shone: they went 3-0-0 as a duo, never dropping a match.

The pair’s partnership wasn’t just statistical dominance; it was a narrative of sisterhood forged on Australian fairways. Both hailing from the same golfing heartland, they’ve trained together since juniors, sharing tips on mental resilience amid the pressures of professional tours. Their combined scoring average of 68.2 strokes per round in the International Crown was the lowest among all teams, underscoring why Australia emerged as the dark horse.

Supporting the stars were teammates like Grace Kim and Gabriela Ruffels, who added depth to the roster. Kim, a rising 23-year-old, notched two wins in the individual matches, her short game proving pivotal. Ruffels, known for her steady play on the LPGA Tour, contributed with a crucial halve against the U.S.‘s Rose Zhang. Together, this quartet embodied Australia’s blend of experience and youth, a formula that overwhelmed more established squads.

Pivotal Plays and Dramatic Turnarounds in the Final Showdown

The final between Australia and the United States unfolded like a high-stakes drama, with momentum swinging as wildly as the Mediterranean winds off the Costa del Sol course. The U.S. team, featuring heavyweights like Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, and Jennifer Kupcho, started strong in the morning foursomes, taking an early 2-1 lead after Thompson and Kupcho’s birdie barrage on the front nine.

But Australia refused to yield. In the afternoon four-ball session, Minjee Lee’s showdown with Korda became the tournament’s defining image. Tied through 16 holes, Lee faced a treacherous downhill putt on the 17th. Her read was perfect; the ball curled into the cup, igniting a comeback. By day’s end, Australia had flipped the script, winning five of the eight matches outright and halving the rest.

Statistics from the final tell a compelling story: Australia out-putted the U.S. by 12 total putts and scrambled for par 85% of the time when missing greens—compared to the Americans’ 72%. The course, designed by Cabell Robinson with its undulating greens and strategic bunkers, favored the Aussies’ accuracy over the U.S.‘s length. A key stat: Australian players holed 22 birdies to the U.S.‘s 18, with Hannah Green’s five birdies in the final round being the highest single-session total.

One dramatic turnaround came in the match between Grace Kim and Lexi Thompson. Kim, trailing by three after 10 holes, rallied with back-to-back eagles on holes 14 and 15—par-4s where she risked driver off the tee. “I just visualized it, block out the noise,” Kim later recounted. Her win not only tied the session but boosted team morale, leading to a cascade of Australian victories.

The LPGA officials noted the final’s viewership spiked 40% from previous years, thanks to the upset narrative. Live streams on the LPGA app captured every putt, with social media buzzing over clips of Lee’s winning stroke, amassing over 2 million views in hours.

Breaking Barriers: Australia’s Win Reshapes Women’s Golf Landscape

This International Crown victory holds profound historical weight for women’s golf. The event, launched in 2014 by the LPGA to foster international competition, has traditionally been a U.S. stronghold—they won in 2018 and defended in 2022 with a roster boasting multiple major champions. Australia’s 2024 upset is only their second team title in LPGA events, the first coming in 2016 under a different format.

Prior to this tournament, Australia had just three players in the top 50 world rankings, compared to the U.S.‘s 15. Yet, their qualification for the International Crown was earned through consistent performances in LPGA majors and the Olympics, where Green finished T4 in Paris. The win elevates Australia’s profile, potentially drawing more sponsorships and junior participation. Golf Australia reported a 25% uptick in female memberships since the Olympics, and this victory could accelerate that trend.

Globally, the result challenges the U.S.-centric narrative in women’s golf. Experts like Annika Sorenstam, a Hall of Famer, praised the shift: “The International Crown is about growing the game worldwide. Australia’s win shows depth beyond North America—it’s a boon for the LPGA.” In interviews, U.S. captain Stacy Lewis admitted, “We underestimated their hunger. Hats off to Australia; they played lights out.”

The tournament’s format—eight teams competing in 72 holes of stroke play followed by match play knockouts—highlighted tactical depth. Australia’s strategy of pairing long hitters like Green with precision players like Lee paid dividends, a model other nations may emulate. Economically, the event generated over $10 million in local revenue for Spain, with LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Satin calling it “a landmark for international expansion.”

Player Reflections and the Road Ahead for LPGA Teams

Post-victory celebrations were electric, with Australia’s team hoisting the International Crown trophy amid fireworks and chants of “Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!” Minjee Lee, named tournament MVP for her 4-0-0 record, reflected on the journey: “This isn’t just for us—it’s for every kid in Australia dreaming of the LPGA. Women’s golf is exploding here, and wins like this fuel it.” Hannah Green echoed the sentiment, adding, “Beating the U.S. was tough, but it proves we’re on the map.”

On the U.S. side, Nelly Korda lamented the loss but remained optimistic: “We came up short, but Australia’s game was superior. This fires us up for majors next year.” The defeat prompts introspection; the U.S. team, with its depth, now eyes roster tweaks for future events.

Looking forward, the LPGA schedule intensifies with the 2025 season featuring expanded international stops. Australia’s win could inspire bids for hosting rights, while players like Lee and Green target individual majors—the U.S. Women’s Open in May looms large. For the International Crown, the next edition in 2026 might see new contenders, like surging teams from Sweden or Japan, challenging the established order.

The ripple effects extend to grassroots levels: expect Australian academies to see enrollment surges, and LPGA Tour events Down Under, like the Women’s Australian Open, to draw record crowds. As women’s golf globalizes, this upset underscores a brighter, more diverse future, where national pride and personal grit converge on the fairways.