Australia came out on top at the 2025 Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown at New Korea Country Club, fending off Team USA to clinch the title.
Minjee Lee and Hannah Green made the winning putts when they both triumphed in their singles matches, winning 2 and 1 over Americans Angel Yin and Yealimi Noh, respectively. The earlier tied foursomes match between Australia’s Stephanie Kyriacou and Grace Kim, and America’s Lilia Vu and Lauren Coughlin, was made up for when Green secured victory in the second singles match.
Coming into the finals, the Aussies fought for their position and a first match-play tournament win, which last eluded them in 2023 at TPC Harding Park. They just managed to even things out with the World Team, when Charley Hull defeated Green in the singles matches, 2 and 1, but Lee triumphed over Brooke Henderson to secure the critical point that carried them on.
In the first of the finals’ singles matches, Lee was sent out against Yin, and the pair passed the lead between them until Lee eventually got the upper hand at the par-3 16th. She doubled the 1-up advantage to 2 by the 17th and closed out with 2 points added for Team Australia. Green battled for the same outcome, playing a match behind and what she described as her best golf of the week against Noh. The American gave her little leeway as Green only managed to win 2 and 1 with a last-minute birdie at the 18th, and the crown was theirs.
“I knew it was going to be a tough match against Yealimi,” Green said afterwards. “We both have pretty similar games. We were both neck and neck off the tee. When I would make a birdie putt, she would make one top of me, so it was going to be a tough match. When I got to 3 up, I knew I needed to keep my foot on the gas and not let her creep in.
“My putt on the last hole, I was very nervous. I knew exactly what it was for. I said to the girls, I was just happy I got on the board.
While Green made the winning birdie, Lee was named the MVP of the 2025 Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown by the end.
“I’m really excited that we were able to win all together,” Lee said. “I think it’s even sweeter because I could do it with all of these girls. Obviously, we all played with a lot of grit and a lot of perseverance and resilience this week just to get into the final match. I think we all did really well. I’m really happy we’re all sitting here in the champions press conference.”
The World Team finished in third after winning the consolation match over Team Japan.
