Home/Golf

via Imago

via Imago

LPGA and PGA Tour players are about to get together for a showdown that the golfing world has been anticipating for decades. The Grant Thornton Invitational is all set to take place next week, and the golf world is abuzz to see their favorite players play together in pairs and teams. The maiden tourney will witness a play from top players and winners from this LPGA season, like Rose Zhang, Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, and other PGA Tour champions like Rickie Fowler, Tony Finau, and many others. 

The event is going to feature a total of 32 players who will compete for a fat purse of $4M. As the golfers prepare for the game, here’s a look at the Greg Norman-designed course that will set the stage for their upcoming challenges.

Unveiling the Grant Thornton Invitational course in Florida

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The 2023 Grant Thornton Invitational will be played at the sun-kissed paradise of Naples, Florida, the Tiburón Golf Club. The course speaks and stands as a testament to luxury and precision in the world of golf. The space is nestled in the middle of the lush landscapes. Tiburón boasts not one but two 18-hole masterpieces, each a creation of the legendary Greg Norman – The Gold and The Black.

The story of the field dates back to 1998 when the fairways of Tiburón welcomed golf fans first to the splendor of the Gold Course. Its sibling, The Black Course, followed suit in 2001. Both courses unfold a par-72 challenge and present five sets of tees to cater to every level of golfer. The Gold Course stretches its boundaries to 7,382 yards, while The Black Course, from the championship tees, extends up to 6,949 yards – a true playground for those seeking both finesse and fortitude.

Read More: A Dive Into the History of the CME Group Tour Championship: Past Winners, Record Holders, and More

There’s more to the course than just the greens. The Ritz-Carlton Naples is a 295-room haven that stands parallel to these award-winning courses. The area offers a luxurious retreat for all those seeking the perfect golf getaway. Just a few miles away lies the Ritz-Carlton beach hotel—a 450-room oasis. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What’s special about the course?

In the last decade, the club has earned the prestigious title of a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, which basically can be translated as a nod to its commitment to environmental stewardship as recognized by Audubon International.

After the game, as the sun will dip down the golfers retire to the heart of Tiburón – its 27,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style clubhouse. The space features three dining rooms—all under the warm glow of the Naples. Private member locker rooms and lounge areas are also a part of the surroundings. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

And then, there’s the jewel in the crown – an award-winning golf shop where players and fans can indulge in a world of elite golfing gear and apparel. The Grant Thornton Invitational has a lot to offer. Now, all that remains is to see how the play will unfold and who will win. 

Watch the Story | Months After World No.1 Nelly Korda’s LIV Golf Verdict, LGPA Star Makes A Bold Remark