The excitement is building for the 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational as the first three teams have been announced. Defending champions Jason Day and Lydia Ko will be back to defend their title at the mixed-team event at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples this December. Joining them will be world No. 1 Nelly Korda and Tony Finau, as well as Lexi Thompson and Rickie Fowler.
Tournament Director Rob Hartman expressed his excitement for this elite group of players returning to Naples, with plans to create 13 more compelling teams as the year unfolds. For Thompson, this event will mark her final competition in 2024 as she wraps up her final full-time season on the LPGA tour. All three teams have been paired together before in 2023, adding an element of familiarity to the competition.
The Grant Thornton Invitational features a 32-player field evenly comprised of PGA Tour and LPGA professionals playing on 16 mixed teams. They will compete for an equal purse of $4 million and experience a different format of play each day, including scramble, foursomes, and a modified four-ball format. This unique approach aims to drive the game forward and provide an exciting experience for both players and spectators.
Nelly Korda expressed her excitement about partnering with Tony Finau again this year, aiming to improve on their T-4 finish from last year. Thompson and Fowler, who finished T-6 in the previous tournament, will also be looking to climb up the leaderboard this time around. With such a strong lineup of players, fans can expect a highly competitive and entertaining event in Naples.
The Grant Thornton Invitational stands out as a unique event that offers equal visibility and opportunities for both PGA Tour and LPGA professionals. The tournament format and purse distribution ensure that all players are on a level playing field, regardless of their tour affiliation. This inclusive approach has garnered praise from players and fans alike, making it a must-watch event on the professional golf calendar.
As the excitement builds for the 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational, all eyes are on the star-studded lineup of teams that have been announced so far. With defending champions, top-ranked players, and fan-favorite duos set to compete, the stage is set for a thrilling competition in Naples this December. Golf enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing some of the best players in the world teeing off in a unique and exciting format that promises to keep them on the edge of their seats till the final putt drops.
