The Hanwha Lifeplus International Crown returns to the schedule for the first time in five years as the top eight countries, according to positions of players in the world rankings, compete in a match play format.
Eight four-player international teams compete in a round-robin group stage, with the top two from each qualifying for the semi-finals.
This year, the action takes place at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco as some of the world’s top players from the USA, Korea, Japan, Sweden, England, Thailand, Australia and China compete.
Before the tournament even began there was some controversy. Firstly, it was revealed Swede Linn Grant would miss the tournament due to her vaccination status despite qualifying. Restrictions for air travellers to the US will be lifted on 11 May, but that doesn’t come soon enough for her to compete this week, so Caroline Hedwall plays instead.
The England team faced some significant disruption even closer to the tournament as Georgia Hall and Charlie Hull withdrew due to injury and illness respectively, which means opportunities have opened up for Alice Hewson and Liz Young. Nevertheless, the late withdrawal of the duo in the original lineup didn’t go down well with fellow England team member Brontë Law.
After Spain won the inaugural competition in 2014, the US took the title two years later before Korea triumphed in 2018 and the latter two countries are expected to dominate again this year.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
One look at the teams explains why. The US is blessed with World No.1 Nelly Korda and World No.4 Lilia Vu, who demonstrated her rising star credentials by winning the Chevron Championship less than two weeks ago. World No.7 Lexi Thompson and 2017 Women’s PGA Champion Danielle Kang complete the line-up.
As for Korea, they can draw on the abilities of World No.3 Jin Young Ko, World No.9 Hyo Joo Kim, three-time Major winner In Gee Chun and World No.25 Hye Jin Choi.
It’s not just the favoured two teams that have world-class players, though. Thailand boasts World No.5 Atthaya Thitikul, who demonstrated her capabilities with a tie for fourth at the Chevron Championship.
Elsewhere, China has World No.13 Xiyu Lin, who reached the playoff at last week’s JM Eagle LA Championship before being edged out by Australian Hannah Green, who also plays alongside World No.6 Minjee Lee.
Other players of note include World No.15 Nasa Hataoka, who is part of the Japan team, while despite the absence of Grant, Sweden still has…
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