The first-ever edition of the Grant Thornton Invitational is all set to kick off in spectacular fashion in the golfing world. And, the much-anticipated event would see itself entertain the community from December 8th till the 10th of the month at the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples. Moreover, the event would witness a total of 32 golfers, half each from both LPGA and PGA Tours paired up with each other in unique mixed-gender teams.
Besides, the fans are hoping to spot an exciting three days of golf, including a thrilling display of skills by the 16 teams of players who can be dubbed the crème de la crème of the golfing world. Of course, along with the glory comes the $4 million prize purse and the title of champion at the inaugural edition of the event. With all these at stake, it is quite natural for the community to become curious as to which groups would get paired up with each other.
Igniting rivalries at the 2023 Grant Thornton Invitational
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With one player from the women’s circuit teaming up with another professional from the PGA Tour, it becomes natural for the community to regard the competition as one to be looked forward to. Making her appearance along with Cameron Champ after a forgetful CME Group Tour Championship is Allisen Corpuz, who would tee it off against the group of Mel Reid and Russell Henley on the first round of the tourney.
Moreover, the other top professional teams including the likes of Nelly Korda and Tony Finau, would be hoping to clinch the first-ever title of winner of the event as they get paired off against the powerful Rickie Fowler-Lexi Thompson duo on Friday. Meanwhile, the ever-talented Swedish group of Ludvig Aberg and Madelene Sagstrom gears up to play their first round with Lucas Glover and Leona Maguire, the Solheim Cup star.
The young guns of the tournament, Sahith Theegala and Rose Zhang would see themselves battle it out with world No. 1 Lilia Vu and her teammate Joel Dahmen. However, the rest of the LPGA X PGA Tour field including the likes of Megan Khang – Denny McCarthy, Brooke Henderson – Corey Conners, Andrea Lee – Billy Horschel, and Lydia Ko – Jason Day will tee it off against Cheyenne Knight – Tom Hoge, Ruoning Yin – Nick Taylor, Celine Boutier – Harris English, and Charley Hull – Justin Rose respectively.
The teams of athletes are all ready to start off the upcoming event at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort on December 8th. Moreover, since the competition is just a couple of days away, one can’t help but grow their interest in the first round of the tourney.
Tee times and first-round format of the Grant Thornton Invitational
The first day of the event co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour would start on Friday. Let us take a closer look at when the pairs would tee together.
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Match | Time | Team 1 | Team 2 |
1 | 9:10 AM | Mel Reid – Russell Henley | Allisen Corpuz – Cameron Champ |
2 | 9:25 AM | Leona Maguire – Lucas Glover | Madelene Sagstrom – Ludvig Aberg |
3 | 9:40 AM | Rose Zhang – Sahith Theegala | Lilia Vu – Joel Dahmen |
4 | 9:55 AM | Megan Khang – Denny McCarthy | Cheyenne Knight – Tom Hoge |
5 | 10:10 AM | Brooke Henderson – Corey Conners | Ruoning Yin – Nick Taylor |
6 | 10:25 AM | Andrea Lee – Billy Horschel | Celine Boutier – Harris English |
7 | 10:40 AM | Lydia Ko – Jason Day | Charley Hull – Justin Rose |
8 | 10:55 AM | Nelly Korda – Tony Finau | Lexi Thompson – Rickie Fowler |
Moreover, the mixed-team event boasts three different formats for the three days that would take place over the weekend. However, the Friday round would witness the golfers playing in the scramble format, which would see both the team members teeing it off from the same spot followed by continuing the next one with the best ball of the two.
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Well, can’t wait for the exhilarating event up ahead, right? So let us know your pick in the comments below.
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