What the International Crown is all about
Every two years the LPGA rolls out a unique team competition that feels more like a World Cup than a regular tour stop. The International Crown pits the eight best golf‑playing nations against each other in a series of foursomes and four‑ball matches, with points awarded for each win. It’s a chance for players to swap individual glory for national pride, and the format often produces nail‑biting drama that you don’t get on a typical 72‑hole stroke‑play event.
Hosted this time at the rolling fairways of Rich Harvest Farms in Illinois, the 2023 edition featured a packed field of 32 women representing their countries. After three days of round‑robin action, the top two teams – Australia and the United States – emerged to contest the final showdown.
Australia’s road to the final
The Aussie contingent entered the tournament as one of the dark horses. While the United States, South Korea and Europe have traditionally dominated, Australia’s roster blended experience with youthful firepower. The team consisted of:
- Minjee Lee – world No. 1 and 2022 Women’s PGA Champion
- Hannah Green – 2023 U.S. Open winner and a steady presence on the tour
- Juli Inkster – veteran mentor and former major champion (serving as a playing captain)
- Emily Oh – rising star who had just broken into the top 50
From day one, the Australians showed they weren’t just there to make up the numbers. In the opening foursomes, Lee and Green posted a 4‑under‑par 68, giving the team an early edge. The four‑ball matches that followed saw Inkster and Oh combine aggressive tee shots with solid putting, racking up another two points.
By the end of the pool stage, Australia had amassed 10 points, enough to clinch a spot in the final and, more importantly, to give the United States a run for its money.
The United States: a powerhouse on paper
On paper, the American team looked unstoppable. With a lineup that included Nelly Korda (world No. 2), Lexi Thompson (multiple major winner), and rising teen star Atthaya Thitikul, the U.S. squad had depth in every department. Their early matches were a showcase of power golf – long drives, aggressive approaches, and clutch birdies.
Yet the format of the International Crown rewards consistency over sheer firepower. While the Americans racked up impressive scores, a few missed putts in the four‑ball rounds cost them valuable points, leaving the final tally at 9 – just one shy of the Aussies.
The final face‑off: Australia vs. United States
All eyes turned to the final day’s marquee matchup: a single four‑ball match that would decide the champion. The course was set up for drama – a brisk autumn wind swirling through the trees, firm greens that held approach shots, and a gallery buzzing with anticipation.
Minjee Lee paired with Nelly Korda, a pairing that sparked immediate intrigue. Both players are known for their precision, but their styles differ: Lee’s smooth swing and strategic play contrasted with Korda’s power‑driven aggression. The first nine holes saw both sides trade birdies, leaving the match all square at the turn.
Then came the turning point. On the 12th hole, a par‑5 with a reachable green in two, Lee launched a perfect tee shot that landed just short of the pin. Korda, attempting to go for the green in one, found the water. Lee’s second shot set up a birdie, while Korda’s penalty dropped the U.S. team to a double‑bogey. The crowd erupted, and the Australian momentum surged.
From there, the Aussies held firm. Hannah Green, playing alongside Lexi Thompson in the alternate foursome, matched the Americans shot for shot, but a missed short putt on the 15th gave Australia a half‑point. The final hole was a tense par‑4; both teams needed a par to secure the win. Lee’s steady drive and a silky iron to within three feet set up a tap‑in for birdie, sealing a 2‑1½ victory for Australia.
Key moments that defined the day
- Lee’s clutch birdie on 12. The 12th‑hole swing shifted the momentum and forced the U.S. into a scramble.
- Korda’s water hazard on 12. A rare mis‑hit from a player in top form highlighted the pressure of the format.
- Green’s steady play. While not as flashy, her consistent par‑making kept the Aussie scorecard honest.
- Team chemistry. The Australians’ camaraderie was evident – high‑fives after each putt, supportive chatter, and a shared belief that they could topple the giants.
Reactions from the players and fans
When the final putt dropped, the Australian contingent erupted in a chorus of cheers, hugs, and a few tears. “This is what we play for,” Minjee Lee said in the post‑match interview, “to wear our flag and prove that we belong at the top.” Hannah Green added, “We knew we could win, but to do it against a team like the United States makes it even sweeter.”
The United States, gracious in defeat, praised the Australian performance. “They played a great round, and we just didn’t execute when it mattered,” Nelly Korda remarked, “We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
Fans in the gallery, many sporting Australian scarves and flags, sang “Waltzing Matilda” as the trophy was presented. Social media lit up with memes of kangaroos hopping over golf balls and hashtags like #AussieCrown and #DownUnderDominance trending worldwide.
What this win means for Australian women’s golf
Australia’s triumph at the International Crown is more than a trophy; it’s a statement. The victory showcases the depth of talent emerging from the Antipodes and provides a boost for the sport’s visibility back home. Junior golfers across the country now have fresh role models to emulate, and sponsors are taking note of the marketability of a winning national team.
From a historical perspective, this is the first time Australia has claimed the International Crown, joining the ranks of past winners like the United States, South Korea and Japan. The win could spark increased funding for women’s golf programs, more televised coverage, and perhaps a surge in participation at the grassroots level.
Looking ahead: the future of the International Crown
With the next edition slated for 2025, teams will be eyeing the lessons learned from this showdown. The United States will likely regroup, possibly tweaking their pairings to avoid the pitfalls of over‑aggression. Australia, meanwhile, will aim to defend their crown, hoping to keep the chemistry that carried them to victory.
For fans, the International Crown continues to offer a refreshing blend of national pride and elite competition. It reminds us that golf, while often an individual sport, can also be a stage for collective drama, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.
