In a display of formidable teamwork and individual brilliance, the United States women`s golf team has carved an unblemished path through the LPGA International Crown in Goyang, South Korea, securing a coveted spot in Sunday`s semifinals with remarkable ease.
While the calendar might read October 2025, the U.S. team`s performance feels decidedly futuristic. They haven`t just played well; they`ve played flawlessly, winning all four of their fourball matches to establish a commanding lead in Pool A. This isn`t merely a string of good luck; it`s a calculated, clinical exhibition of top-tier golf, proving that when American talent coalesces, it becomes an almost unstoppable force.
The Unstoppable Streak: American Power in Fourball
The latest triumphs for the Stars and Stripes unfolded on Friday, showcasing pairings that appear to have been forged in a crucible of competitive synergy. Yealimi Noh and Angel Yin delivered a particularly impactful victory, dismantling Thailand`s formidable duo of No. 1-ranked Jeeno Thitikul and Pajaree Anannarukarn with a decisive 5 and 4 win. This wasn`t just another point on the scoreboard; it was a statement. Thitikul, previously unbeaten in six consecutive match wins at this event, finally met her match against the relentless American duo, proving that even the most impressive streaks are destined to end.
Not content with a single dominant performance, the U.S. solidified their position with another emphatic win. Lilia Vu and Lauren Coughlin navigated the challenges of the New Korea Country Club with precision, overcoming Chanettee Wannasaen and Jasmine Suwannapura, also from Thailand, by a margin of 3 and 2. These victories, following two earlier wins against China, underscore a consistency and depth in the American squad that leaves their competitors in a rather unenviable position.
With four points safely in their pocket, the U.S. team stands alone as the only undefeated squad, already guaranteed a place in the knockout stages. For them, Saturday`s final set of fourball matches is almost a victory lap, a chance to refine strategy without the existential pressure gripping other teams.
The Scramble for Semifinal Spots: Drama Across the Pools
While the U.S. enjoys the luxury of certainty, the rest of the field is embroiled in a much more frantic battle. Pool A, beyond the American dominance, saw Australia and China splitting their fourball matches. Minjee Lee and Stephanie Kyriacou secured a win for Australia against China`s Zhang Weiwei and Liu Yan, while China`s Yin Ruoning and Ruixin Liu managed a narrow 1-up victory over Australians Hannah Green and Grace Kim. Every shot, every putt, now carries immense weight as teams vie for that crucial second semifinal slot.
Over in Pool B, the narrative is equally compelling. Japan and Sweden mirrored the split, with Miyu Yamashita and Rio Takeda securing a win for Japan against Sweden`s Madelene Sagstrom and Ingrid Lindblad. However, Maja Stark and Linn Grant ensured Sweden wasn`t left empty-handed, defeating Mao Saigo and Ayaka Furue of Japan. This balance keeps both teams very much in contention, turning Saturday`s play into a high-stakes chess match on the greens.
The “World” Team Makes Its Mark
Perhaps one of the most intriguing elements of the International Crown is the inclusion of the “Rest of the World” team, a formidable assembly of talent from various nations. This eclectic group has proven to be a significant contender, currently leading Pool B with three points. Their Friday performance was particularly gripping. England`s Charley Hull, always a fan favorite for her no-nonsense approach, delivered a moment of pure clutch golf. Sinking a 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole, she secured a dramatic 1-up victory for herself and World teammate, New Zealand`s Lydia Ko, over South Korea`s Hyo Joo Kim and Hye-Jin Choi. As Hull succinctly put it, “Just thought hole it and save the stress.” A sentiment many golfers, both professional and amateur, can surely appreciate.
South Korea`s Jin Young Ko and Haeran Ryu managed to salvage a half-point, tying their match against Wei-Ling Hsu of Taiwan and Canada`s Brooke Henderson, keeping their hopes alive in the competitive Pool B.
The Road Ahead: Foursomes, Singles, and International Pride
The International Crown, with its unique format pitting seven countries and a `rest of the world` team against each other in two pools, celebrates the often-overlooked team aspect of professional golf. The stakes rise significantly on Sunday, as the top two countries from each pool advance to the semifinals and final. These knockout rounds transform from fourball match play into a combination of one foursomes (alternate shot) and two singles matches – a test of both partnership and individual mettle.
As the U.S. team prepares to consolidate its position, the remaining teams face a crucible of pressure, vying for the chance to challenge the seemingly unbeatable Americans. The atmosphere in Goyang is electric, promising a weekend filled with strategic brilliance, dramatic finishes, and the unwavering pursuit of international golfing glory. The question now isn`t if the U.S. will be in the final, but who will dare to meet them there.
Adrian Whitmore 
Benedict Kingsley