LPGA launches eight-team event

Last updated: 31st January 2013

Teams from eight countries will battle it out for the right to be crowned the world's best golf nation in a biennial, global match play competition launched by the Ladies Professional Golf Association.

The LPGA confirmed the International Crown, a first-of-its-kind, will make its debut in 2014 and will have a total purse of $1.6 million - of which $100,000 will go to each member of the winning team. With eight teams involved there are more chances to pick a winner than there are options to bet on super bowl on the internet or your favourite betting site.

The event will take place over four days and each of the eight countries will be represented by four players.

"At the LPGA, we celebrate great players from all over the world on a weekly basis, but this is the first time we'll pit country versus country for global bragging rights," said LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan.

"Only countries that have produced the best female teams can compete and only four players from any one country will be invited. The International Crown will take women's golf to the next level and allow fans to rally behind their homelands. In sports, there is simply nothing greater than wearing your nation's flag, fans singing your national anthem, and bringing the CROWN home."

Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland, will have the honour of hosting the inaugural tournament from July 21-27, 2014, while Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois, will play host two years later.

American golfer Stacy Lewis said: "Our Tour is so global and we need this type of event.

"People always want to know why golfers from Asia are so good. Well, now we can see how all the countries stack up. The more we can showcase our Tour around the world, the better. Representing your country is the ultimate thing. Getting announced on the first tee when you are representing the USA, it doesn't get any better than that. It's a goal of mine to be in the event."