Australia had a real breakout in the 2023 International Crown, making it to the finals against eventual champion Thailand. How will the team stack up in 2025?
THE CURRENT FOUR
The four players who would currently represent Australia are:
- No. 6 Hannah Green
- No. 19 Minjee Lee
- No. 48 Gabi Ruffels
- No. 54 Stephanie Kyriacou
This team is obviously led by Hannah Green, who took her game to a superstar level in 2024 winning three tournaments and finishing No. 5 in the Player of the Year standings. She will almost assuredly be joined by Minjee Lee, who has been the face of Australian women’s golf for years. Lee had her worst season on tour, particularly with her putter, which was ice cold all season. Lee finished No. 137 in strokes gained putting. The two-time major champion has time to figure it out though before this event.
Gabi Ruffels and Stephanie Kyriacou are both intriguing figures for this team, as both were highlighted here as potential breakout stars in 2025. Ruffels finished top five in Rookie of the Year in 2024 and Kyriacou had some fantastic moments, highlighted by a near win at the Evian Championship. Kyriacou was on the 2023 team, so has experience and success in this tournament.
POTENTIAL REPRESENTATIVES
Some other players who could make the team are:
- No. 81 Grace Kim
- No. 148 Hira Naveed
There isn’t a deep well to pick from here. Hira Naveed is mostly listed in case she has a massive breakout, which she showed flashes of in her 2024 rookie year. She likely is just a bit too far back at the moment to have a realistic shot.
Grace Kim is interesting as she was a victim of timing in 2023. She won an event immediately after the team was finalized that would have moved her up enough placements to get her in over Sarah Kemp. Kim is a player with immense talent, though struggles with consistency and finishing out events. She had great chances in 2024 at the JM Eagle LA Championship and the Meijer LPGA Classic. If she can work her way into contention again, she can still make this team.
CAN THEY WIN?
Yes. This team on paper appears to be better than the 2023 squad that almost took it all. Green has shown she is elite and both Ruffels and Kyriacou have high upsides. If Minjee Lee can look like the player we are used to seeing again, this is one of the best teams on the board.
