National Team Golf Competitions Are Exciting Too

International Crown Kicks Off with 32 Players from 8 Countries
Ryder Cup: The Ultimate Battle of Pride Between the United States and Europe
Concession Controversy Sparks Tension at the 2015 Solheim Cup

Golf is an individual sport. Individual competitions are more common than team events. In general tour tournaments, the winner is determined through 72 holes of stroke play over four rounds.

However, it is not limited to individual matches. Team competitions, such as national tournaments, are also popular. The Hanwha Lifeplus International Crown, a women's golf national team competition that began on October 23 at New Korea Country Club in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, is a prime example. Founded in 2014, this year marks its fifth edition. Thirty-two players from eight countries are participating. The host country, South Korea, as well as the United States, Japan, Thailand, Sweden, Australia, China, and the World Team are competing.

32 players from 8 countries participating in the Hanwha LifePlus International Crown pledge their best efforts at the official photocall event. Photo by LPGA

The tournament is held over four days. For the first three days, the format is four-ball, where two players each play their own ball and the better score counts for the team. On the final day, the winner is determined through singles matches and foursomes, where two players alternate shots using one ball.

The host country, South Korea, is aiming for its first victory in seven years since 2018. Kim Hyojoo, Yoo Hae-ran, Ko Jin-young, and Choi Hyejin are competing. The team is praised for its blend of experience and youth. Yoo Hae-ran, who is making her debut at this tournament, said, "I'm excited and looking forward to representing my country. We will put on a great team performance and do our best to bring the trophy back home."

Europe is celebrating after winning the away victory at the 45th Ryder Cup. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

The most traditional national team competition is the Ryder Cup. It is a battle of golf pride between the United States and Europe. There is no prize money-only honor. Since the first tournament in 1927, the 45th edition was held last September. Historically, the United States has the advantage with 27 wins, 2 draws, and 16 losses against Europe, but the situation has changed in recent years. This year, Europe won on American soil. Since 2000, Europe has dominated with 9 wins and 3 losses against the United States.

This year, the preparations for the Ryder Cup by both the United States and Europe drew attention. Right after the DP World Tour BMW PGA Championship ended on September 14, the European team immediately boarded a charter flight to New York. Ten days before the tournament began, they conducted a group reconnaissance of the Black Course. The United States participated in the Procore Championship, the first event of the PGA Tour Fall Series, to stay in competitive form.

The Ryder Cup is known for its intense cheering battles. Loud shouts and boos are allowed. This year was more heated than ever. Just before European ace Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) played, the American gallery hurled personal insults and abusive language at him. New York police were dispatched to the course, and two American fans who behaved excessively were ejected.

Susan Petersen (center) had a concession dispute with Alison Lee at the 2015 Solheim Cup. Photo by AP News Agency

The Solheim Cup, the women's golf competition between the United States and Europe, is also noteworthy. It began in 1990, and the 19th edition was held last year. Historically, the United States leads with 11 wins, 1 draw, and 7 losses. In 2015, there was even a concession controversy. Suzann Pettersen (Norway) and Alison Lee (United States) were at the center of it. On the 17th hole of the final day, Alison Lee picked up her ball from 50 centimeters away and received a one-stroke penalty. Pettersen stated that she had not given concession, and she faced harsh criticism for being "blinded by victory."