Excitement Builds in Naples for the 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational
As the sun rises over Naples, Florida, golfers and fans alike are gearing up for the much-anticipated 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational. This unique tournament kicks off Friday morning at the beautiful Tiburon Golf Club, promising an exciting day for both LPGA and PGA Tour fans. Mark your calendars! The first round is set to begin at 9:00 a.m. ET, with our favorite pros swinging into action.
A Unique Team Format
The Grant Thornton Invitational is unlike any other tournament. Each of the 16 participating teams is made up of one LPGA superstar and one PGA Tour professional, making it a thrilling collaboration of talent and skill. The charm of this event is its team aspect, where players unite their strengths to chase a collective goal: to lift the trophy and share the fantastic $1 million prize!
This year’s event continues the team concept that debuted last year and has garnered attention and love from fans everywhere. Many players relish this new format that mixes the female and male professional tours.
Returning Champions vs. a Dynamic Duo
Among the teams to watch, all eyes will be on fan-favorites Lexi Thompson and Rickie Fowler, who are teaming up for the second straight year. The duo hopes to bring their A-game and increase their chances at clinching the title. However, they face stiff competition from the defending champions, Lydia Ko and Jason Day, who are not looking to relinquish their crown without a fight.
The excitement doesn’t stop there, though! Team Thompson-Fowler is set to tee off in the penultimate pairing at 10:30 a.m. ET, alongside the promising team of Allisen Corpuz and Sahith Theegala. With all these stellar players on the course, it’s sure to be a thrilling showdown!
What to Expect on Opening Day
Friday’s round will be played in a traditional scramble format. This format encourages teamwork and strategic play, potentially leading to some breathtaking shots and memorable moments. Fans tuning in can expect not just golf, but entertainment as pros share their chemistry on and off the course.
How to Follow the Action
The action can be followed live on the Golf Channel starting at 1 p.m. ET. For those looking to catch every swing and putt, there’s also a live simulcast available via NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App, provided you have an active cable subscription. So, no matter where you are, you’ll be able to enjoy this fantastic event!
All the Tee Times You Need
Wondering who’s playing when? Here’s a breakdown of the tee times for Friday’s first round:
- 9:00 a.m. – Mel Reid/Cameron Champ; Maja Stark/J.T. Poston
- 9:15 a.m. – Jennifer Kupcho/Akshay Bhatia; Celine Boutier/Matthieu Pavon
- 9:30 a.m. – Lauren Coughlin/Cameron Young; Megan Khang/Matt Kuchar
- 9:45 a.m. – Andrea Lee/Max Greyserman; Gabi Ruffels/Nick Dunlap
- 10:00 a.m. – Patty Tavatanakit/Jake Knapp; Lilia Vu/Luke List
- 10:15 a.m. – Jeeno Thitikul/Tom Kim; Brooke Henderson/Corey Conners
- 10:30 a.m. – Allisen Corpuz/Sahith Theegala; Lexi Thompson/Rickie Fowler
- 10:45 a.m. – Nelly Korda/Daniel Berger; Lydia Ko/Jason Day
Final Thoughts
The Grant Thornton Invitational is set to bring excitement, teamwork, and star power to the Naples golf scene. With a dynamic lineup of players and a hefty prize on the line, it’s sure to be a must-watch event for golf lovers everywhere. So grab your popcorn, cozy up, and get ready to cheer for your favorites!
