Every two years, the world’s best women golfers come together to represent their nations and fight for collective pride—Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown. Trading individual clubs for the patriotic edge, this Korean event is returning to the New Korea Country Club on October 23, this year. As the anticipation builds for the 2025 edition, one question continues to draw curiosity beyond the fairways. What’s at stake for the golfers? Is it just the glory of the cup, or is there a prize purse?

While the event emphasizes national pride, it turns out there’s something more tangible at stake as well. The International Crown, sponsored by the lifestyle brand Hanwha LIFEPLUS, flaunts a total prize purse of $2 million. Since the event commences in a team format, the prizes are distributed to the teams. The winning team grabs a handsome share of $500,000. With 4 players in each team, the players’ share comes to $125,000.

The prize pool has seen a significant increase from its previous editions. Since the event made its debut in 2014, the prize share has been fairly stable, at $1.6 million. The winner’s allocation looked stagnant at $400,000. This was until the 2020 edition, which was planned but later got cancelled owing to the sudden pandemic. The International crown bumped the tournament payout in 2023 to $2 million, and the biennial event’s return in the 2025 edition stays locked in at that fund.

Beyond the prize money, the teams get the chance to represent their respective countries. In the 2025 edition of the International Crown, 7 countries and a world team go head-to-head against each other, fighting for legacy over any financial compensation. While most teams from the 2023 International crown appear as returning teams, England stands as the sole exception. Instead, the World Team would contend as the eighth and final team for the Korean event.

The other teams for the 2025 International crown include the top charting United States at 42nd rank and Japan at 50th. South Korea competes for national glory in its home fields, while Australia, Thailand, and Sweden make their trips across the oceans for the event. The World Team ranks 7th among the teams, with China being the lowest-ranked of all other teams.

Now that we know what we are in for, let’s take a look at the top golfers in the field and how to catch up on all the drama.

Top golfers in the field and where to watch the International Crown

The International crown sets in motion with the world’s 32 best female golfers. All teams boast a packed roster with a decorated profile. Moreover, the World Team brings the world’s best in action, with the No.1 from four different regions.

The United States brings OWGR 10th, Angel Yin, to the scene. Moreover, two-time major champion Lilia Vu brings her poise and skill to the New Korea Country Club. The two other ladies, Lauren Coughlin and Yealimi Noh, are relative underdogs.

Top golfers building up the anticipation from Japan include Miyu Yamashita (OWGR 6th) and Rio Takeda. From South Korea, Kim Hyo Joo will bring her A-game to the field. Minjee Lee from Australia would be contending for the trophy. However, the biggest golfer in the field doesn’t come from America or Australia. Rather, it’s the World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul from Thailand, building up the tension for the game.

The World Team brings Lydia Ko and Charley Hull from the USA and Europe, respectively. Hsu Wei-ling comes from Asia, while Brooke Henderson represents Canada.

The  International Crown will broadcast live on Golf Channel and Peacock in the United States. For viewers in Europe, they can catch all the drama on Sky Sports. The tournament is scheduled to begin on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 3:30 AM CEST (Central European Summer Time), corresponding to 9:00 AM KST (Korean Standard Time).