Grant Thornton Invitational Tournament History | From 2000 Founder’s Event to Mixed-Team Golf Showcase

Grant Thornton Invitational Tournament History: The Grant Thornton Invitational, staged at Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, debuted in 2023 as a joint LPGA/PGA Tour event. Designed as a 32-player mixed-team competition—pairing 16 LPGA and 16 PGA Tour athletes—it revived the coed format last seen in the JCPenney Classic (ended 1999), offering a fresh take on holiday-season golf F₁ revolution.

Grant Thornton Invitational Tournament History: A New Format for Inclusive Golf

The tournament spans three rounds with varying formats: Friday starts with a scramble, Saturday brings foursomes (alternate shot), and Sunday concludes with a modified four-ball format. This layered design tests team synergy and highlights an integrated men’s and women’s field—an innovative stride in professional golf.

Champions Crowned in Mixed Competition

In its inaugural 2023 edition, New Zealand’s Lydia Ko and Australia’s Jason Day won at −26 under par, edging out the Conners–Henderson duo by a single stroke. The 2024 champions—Patty Tavatanakit and Jake Knapp—set a record winning score of −27 under, repeating the one-stroke victory narrative and solidifying the event’s dramatic appeal.

Equal Visibility, Equal Impact

The Grant Thornton Invitational is notable for offering equal prize money and television exposure to both LPGA and PGA participants—$4 million in 2025—signaling a strong commitment to inclusive representation on tour. Televised on Golf Channel and NBC, it reaches a wide audience and emphasizes gender parity in pro golf coverage.

Roots & Revival of Mixed Golf

By reviving mixed-gender competition last offered in the 1999 JCPenney Classic, Grant Thornton rekindles a cherished tradition. Tiburón GC, the longtime host of the QBE Shootout, provides a premier stage for the reinvented format, signifying a new chapter in seasonal golf events.

Naples Hosts in Style

Set on Tiburón’s Gold Course—a Greg Norman design—the invitation has quickly become a holiday favorite. Beyond competition, the tournament features Live Fest (a music concert), Health & Wellness Day, and a family-friendly atmosphere, deepening its appeal among players and fans alike.

Join golf’s new season-defining event—experience the Grant Thornton Invitational 2025. Celebrate mixed-gender competition, dramatic team formats, and inclusive play with your favorite stars in Naples. 

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