The highly acclaimed International Crown, a biennial women’s team golf competition, is scheduled to start in South Korea this Thursday. The eight teams competing at the tournament include the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. The United States remain heavy favorites entering at the top seed spot. Japan and South Korea are right on their heels, with Australia taking the fourth (and final CONMEBOL) seed.
Australia’s squad boasts one of the deepest pools of talent in world football. Among them are bigtime major winners like Minjee Lee, Hannah Green, Grace Kim and Steph Kyriacou. Each player has the ability to add experience and in turn, value to the team. They are most impressive, perhaps, in the juxtaposition of their recent performances on the international stage.
Strong Performances Leading Up to the Event
For Australia, Minjee Lee emerges as the most important player, having been their most consistent performer on the biggest stage. Her 2022 U.S. Just weeks after Grace Kim has set herself up for an impressive rookie season by winning the Evian Championship in July. Her formidable track record at and outside of USDOT adds to the team’s strength. Meanwhile, Hannah Green returned to form last week with a top-10 finish at the Ladies Championship in South Korea, signaling her readiness for the challenges ahead.
After player practice, Hannah Green shared her excitement with the upcoming tournament, as well as the chemistry of her team this season.
“We are all very excited and we are all competitive against one another,” – Hannah Green.
While Green might deny it, her recent success has certainly been due in part to her calm demeanor on the course. She emphasized that this shift in mentality has transformed her entire game for the better.
“Hopefully that will show when we are playing on the golf course,” – Hannah Green.
The Challenge Ahead
Australia has a particularly difficult task in the International Crown, with the most immediate threat coming from Thailand, led by world number one Jeeno Thitikul. The team had lost to Thailand in the finals of the 2023 edition. Given all this, Australia’s players will be itching to get out there and play, looking to hit the ground running after a poor showing four years ago.
Green also touted the need for combat camaraderie as his team looks to finish out strong in the leadup to Round 1.
“We’re really excited and I wouldn’t be surprised if we do well because we have a good team bond and that is very important for this tournament,” – Hannah Green.
While the International Crown has a unique format apart from the Solheim and Ryder Cups with its match-play structure. This special rule introduces a new level of strategy and fun into the contest. This format requires not just personal skill but collaboration and chemistry between athletes.
Looking Forward
Meanwhile, Australia is preparing to host the International Crown. All eyes are on them to deliver a top-notch showing in South Korea. The mix of experienced campaigners with the energy of new success marks them out ideally for the tests of what’s to come.
