NAPLES, Fla. – Excitement builds for the 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational as tournament officials reveal the last 12 teams for the upcoming competition. Set to take place from December 13-15 at the Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, this unique mixed-team tournament showcases top talents from the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour, presenting a field rich with world-class players, major champions, and golf’s rising stars.
The final 12 mixed-gender teams entering the second annual event include:
- Céline Boutier and Matthieu Pavon
- Rose Zhang and Sahith Theegala
- Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners
- Lauren Coughlin and Cameron Young
- Andrea Lee and Billy Horschel
- Mel Reid and Cameron Champ
- Lilia Vu and Luke List
- Gabriela Ruffels and Nick Dunlap
- Megan Khang and Matt Kuchar
- Patty Tavatanakit and Jake Knapp
- Jennifer Kupcho and Akshay Bhatia
- Maja Stark and J.T. Poston
The star-studded field comprises 32 players, split evenly between the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour, forming 16 mixed teams competing for a $4 million purse. This year’s roster boasts a staggering 149 total victories on their respective tours, with 20 wins collected during the current season. Notably, nine major champions feature in this year’s competition, including recent major winners from the LPGA Tour.
In addition to individual accolades, the field brings extensive team experience. Ten of the LPGA participants recently competed in the Solheim Cup, while five PGA TOUR professionals represented their countries in the Presidents Cup. Thirteen players from the field also participated in the 2024 Olympics, bringing the tournament an international flavor with eight countries represented.
Tournament director Rob Hartman expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s player lineup, stating, “We are thrilled with the collection of world-class players heading to southwest Florida this December. Interest from both tours continues to be strong, and we are incredibly pleased with the 16 mixed teams we’ve assembled. These final 12 teams are comprised of many of the game’s rising stars, current-year LPGA Tour and PGA TOUR winners, and members of both the 2024 Solheim Cup and Presidents Cup. Our inaugural year was extremely well-received, and we know that our tournament partners, fans, and our global television audience are sure to again enjoy an exciting and unique three days of competition.”
Teams to Watch
Leading the charge are defending champions Lydia Ko and Jason Day, both former world No. 1 players who hold the most individual career titles in the field. Ko, 27, comes with 22 career wins and a gold medal from the 2024 Olympics, while Day, 36, boasts 13 career victories, including the 2015 PGA Championship.
Nelly Korda and Tony Finau are also a formidable team. Korda, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, has amassed 14 career victories and a win at the season’s first major, the Chevron Championship. Finau, with six career wins and five top-10 finishes this season, brings his experience from past Presidents Cup competitions.
The Canadian duo of Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners are also fan favorites after finishing as last year’s runners-up. With a combined 15 career victories, they bring experience and determination, having represented Canada at the recent Olympics.
Exciting Formats and Global Reach
The Grant Thornton Invitational’s innovative format sets it apart. Players will compete across three formats during the three-day event: Scramble, Foursomes, and a Modified Four-Ball, providing variety and entertainment for fans and a unique challenge for the golfers. With each round offering different strategic demands, players must adapt their skills and teamwork to succeed.
The competition not only celebrates talent but also emphasizes equality. The mixed teams will share an equal $4 million prize purse, with equal visibility for both men’s and women’s participants. This inclusivity reflects Grant Thornton’s commitment to leveling the playing field and enhancing the reach of golf through co-ed professional events.
Meet the Players
The final lineup features some of the game’s brightest young stars, such as Rose Zhang and Sahith Theegala, who each earned their first tour victories this year. Additionally, Solheim Cup standouts Céline Boutier and LPGA major champion Andrea Lee will team up with PGA TOUR professionals Matthieu Pavon and Billy Horschel, respectively, to bring their strengths to the course in Naples.
The tournament promises a weekend filled with high-stakes play and unique partnerships, making it a one-of-a-kind event in professional golf. Fans, sponsors, and a global audience eagerly anticipate seeing these top talents come together in mixed-gender teams, showcasing the sport’s diversity and appeal.
The Grant Thornton Invitational is more than a competition; it’s a statement on the future of golf, blending tradition with innovation. As December approaches, all eyes turn to Naples, where the world’s best will unite for an unforgettable event at Tiburón Golf Club.
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