Grant Thornton Invitational Kicks Off as Mixed-Gender Event
Scramble, Foursomes, and Modified Four-Ball Formats Featured
Lydia Ko-Jason Day and the Korda Sisters Draw Attention
Players from the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour are teaming up to compete together.
From December 2 (local time), the Grant Thornton Invitational is being held for three days at the Tiburon Golf Club (par 72) in Naples, Florida, United States. Sixteen players each from the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour are participating, forming teams of two to compete in this event. Since its inaugural tournament in 2023, this year marks the third edition of the event.
Lydia Ko and Jason Day showcased fantastic teamwork to win the 2023 Grant Thornton Invitational. Photo by AP Yonhap News
In the first round, teammates each take a shot and then select one of the two balls to play from for the next shot, following the scramble format. The second round is played in the foursomes format, where teammates alternate shots using the same ball. The final third round uses a modified four-ball format: after both players tee off, they switch balls for their second shots.
Defending champions Patty Tavatanakit (Thailand) and Jake Knapp (United States) are aiming for back-to-back victories. Lydia Ko (New Zealand) and Jason Day (Australia), who won the inaugural title in 2023, are also vying to reclaim the top spot after two years. Sisters Nelly Korda and Jessica Korda are each partnering with Denny McCarthy and Bud Cauley (both from the United States), respectively. Other pairings include Andrea Lee and Billy Horschel, Rose Zhang and Michael Kim, Lexi Thompson and Wyndham Clark, and Lilia Vu and Tony Finau (all from the United States).
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