Lydia Ko may have endured a challenging season, but this did not deter her performance during the Grant Thornton Invitational. Teamed with partner Jason Day, Ko’s exceptional play led to their victory in the first mixed event of PGA and LPGA Tour players in this century.
At the Tiburon Golf Club, Ko and Day reached a tie for the lead at 25 under during the final round. However, it was Ko’s impressive play on the par-5 17th hole that secured their victory. With a remarkable shot, she obtained a birdie, solidifying their lead at 26 under and ultimately claiming the title with a final score of 66.
Though they faced strong competition from Canadian pair Corey Conners and Brooke Henderson, Ko and Day’s triumphant win at the Grant Thornton Invitational is a notable accomplishment for both players. The victory is particularly significant for Ko, being her first triumph since the Saudi Ladies International on the Ladies European Tour in February, and for Day, whose last PGA Tour title was five years ago.
This year’s event held special significance, being the first mixed-field tournament in over two decades, allowing 16 PGA Tour professionals and 16 LPGA Tour professionals to team up for three rounds of thrilling competition. This unique format injected unpredictability and excitement into the tournament.
In conclusion, the Grant Thornton Invitational showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship, becoming a memorable and closely contested event. As the first of its kind in many years, it united top-calibre players from both the PGA and LPGA Tours, resulting in a captivating display of golf.
The author, Jack Hirsh, is an assistant editor at GOLF with a background in broadcast journalism and political science, positioning him as a knowledgeable and insightful writer in the world of professional golf. Get in touch with him at [email protected].