Grant Thornton Invitational Tournament History | From Early Coed Origins to a Modern Mixed-Team Celebration
Grant Thornton Invitational Tournament History: The Grant Thornton Invitational, hosted at Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, made its debut in 2023 and immediately redefined what a PGA and LPGA Tour collaboration could look like. By pairing 16 PGA Tour pros with 16 LPGA players in a team-based format, the tournament breathed new life into a concept last seen in the JCPenney Classic, which concluded in 1999. This holiday-season showcase has quickly emerged as a standout celebration of inclusive, competitive golf.
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Grant Thornton Invitational Tournament History: Innovative Format, Dynamic Play
Spanning three action-packed rounds, the tournament format keeps both players and fans engaged. It begins with a team scramble on Friday, moves to alternate-shot foursomes on Saturday, and wraps up on Sunday with a modified four-ball finale. This progression of formats demands true teamwork, highlighting the unique strengths of each player and creating compelling moments throughout the weekend.
Early Champions and Record-Setting Wins
The inaugural 2023 event saw Lydia Ko of New Zealand and Australia’s Jason Day take home the title at an impressive 26-under-par finish. The drama continued in 2024, when Patty Tavatanakit and Jake Knapp pushed the boundaries further, setting a new scoring record at 27-under and once again clinching the win by a single stroke. These tightly contested finishes have quickly become a defining characteristic of the event’s legacy.
A Milestone for Gender Equality in Golf
One of the tournament’s most important contributions to professional golf lies in its commitment to equal representation. Offering identical prize money and airtime to both LPGA and PGA players, the Grant Thornton Invitational proudly champions gender equity. With coverage on Golf Channel and NBC, it ensures that both sides of the field enjoy the spotlight, advancing a shared platform for future generations.
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
While this new event is progressive in design, it pays homage to the history of mixed golf by reviving the beloved spirit of the JCPenney Classic. With Tiburón Golf Club—also known for hosting the QBE Shootout—as its backdrop, the event merges legacy and innovation on one of Florida’s most scenic and competitive layouts.
More Than Just Golf in Naples
Beyond the fairways, the Grant Thornton Invitational is a full-fledged experience. With concerts like Live Fest, wellness activations, and a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere, the event invites both golf lovers and casual fans to enjoy the sport in a relaxed and engaging environment. Tiburón’s Gold Course, a signature Greg Norman design, adds to the event’s prestige and visual appeal.
Be part of golf’s most inspiring new tradition at the Grant Thornton Invitational 2025. Experience fierce team competition, breakthrough moments, and a celebration of equality—all in one unforgettable weekend in Naples. Your new favorite tournament awaits.


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