Goyang: Korean Australian golfer Minjee Lee is eager to return to the International Crown, an LPGA match-play competition, for her fifth appearance. This event holds special significance as it takes place in South Korea, the birthplace of her parents. Lee, who first participated in the competition as an 18-year-old amateur in 2014, now returns as the senior member of the Australian team.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Australian contingent, known for its competitive spirit, will feature Stephanie Kyriacou, Hannah Green, and Grace Kim alongside Lee. The team previously finished second to Thailand in the 2023 International Crown. Lee expressed enthusiasm about the camaraderie and dynamic within her team, highlighting their shared enjoyment and strong relationships both on and off the course.
"We have a really great relationship. We always like to have fun and are always cracking jokes," Lee shared during a press conference. With Lee and Green being the most experienced members, they aim to guide and energize their younger teammates throughout the competition.
Lee emphasized the importance of the team's competitive nature and their affinity for the match-play format. She noted that the presence of three returning members wouldn't necessarily change the team's dynamics, as their collective competitiveness would remain a driving force.
The Australian team is set to face formidable opponents, including Thailand, which features world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul. Despite being the sole returning player from Thailand's 2023 championship team, Thitikul emphasized the importance of team spirit and the pride associated with representing their country.
The tournament field consists of eight teams, seeded based on the world rankings of their top players. The United States holds the top seed, followed by Japan, South Korea, and others. The competition will employ a mix of fourball and foursome formats, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the semifinals.
World No. 10 Angel Yin, representing the U.S., expressed enthusiasm about the team's dynamics following a team-bonding dinner. Meanwhile, Lydia Ko will make her debut as part of the World Team, comprising players from countries not previously qualified.
The tournament promises an exciting display of skill and teamwork, culminating in the semifinals and final scheduled for the weekend.