Get ready for an exciting golf showdown as we dive into the power rankings ahead of the Grant Thornton Invitational! This unique tournament brings together male and female golfers, creating an incredible atmosphere during the holiday season.
The event takes place at the prestigious Tiburón Golf Club's Gold Course, located at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida. For the third year in a row, each team consists of a PGA TOUR member and an LPGA representative, resulting in some intriguing partnerships. Only three duos from last year's competition remain, including the defending champions, Patty Tavatanakit and Jake Knapp, who are determined to retain their title.
The tournament kicks off on Friday and will showcase diverse scoring methods across its three rounds. Get ready for a thrilling mix of scramble, alternate shot, and modified Four-ball formats!
Power Rankings:
Jessica Korda and Bud Cauley: Korda returns to action after a break due to an injured back and the birth of her first child. She aims to get back into the swing of things, while Cauley, who had a successful 2025, hasn't played at Tiburón since 2012.
Lilia Vu and Tony Finau: Both Vu and Finau are looking to break out of their recent slumps. Vu, who was once ranked No. 1, has been dealing with a sore back, while Finau hasn't had a top 30 finish in eight starts.
Angel Yin and Tom Hoge: Yin, a tournament debutant, finished second in the LPGA event here two years ago. She arrives with a strong short game, while Hoge, who won the QBE Shootout in 2022, has had a similar year.
Lottie Woad and Luke Clanton: This young duo from Florida State University brings a combined age of just 43. Woad, a former amateur champion, has already achieved success, while Clanton has been turning heads despite a recent slump.
Lexi Thompson and Wyndham Clark: Thompson, a veteran at Tiburón, has six top 10 finishes in the LPGA event. Clark, on the other hand, is making his debut, but arrives in good form after a recent top 10 finish.
Rose Zhang and Michael Kim: A collaboration between Stanford and Cal alumni! Zhang, who last appeared in 2023, has since risen in the rankings, while Kim has been enjoying a career year with a win in France.
Maja Stark and Neal Shipley: Shipley will be looking to bounce back after his team's defeat in the gridiron. He teams up with the U.S. Women's Open champion, Stark, who is the only 2025 LPGA major champion in the field.
Lauren Coughlin and Andrew Novak: Coughlin, a strong tee-to-green player, pairs up with Novak, who excels around the greens. Novak won the PGA TOUR's team event this year, bringing some serious firepower to the team.
Jennifer Kupcho and Chris Gotterup: This team is a sleeper pick due to their exceptional driving abilities. Gotterup, one of the longest hitters on the PGA TOUR, combines power with efficiency. Kupcho, a strong putter, adds to their impressive arsenal.
Andrea Lee and Billy Horschel: Lee and Horschel reunite after a solid performance in 2023. Lee, who had a successful year with six top 10 finishes, teams up with Horschel, who is making his fifth start since returning from surgery.
Megan Khang and Keith Mitchell: An intriguing duo! Khang, who has partnered with putting wizard Denny McCarthy and fairway-splitter Matt Kuchar in previous years, now teams up with Mitchell, one of the longest and straightest hitters on the PGA TOUR.
Patty Tavatanakit and Jake Knapp: The defending champions are back! Knapp, who hasn't competed since the FedExCup Playoffs, will be eager to return, while Tavatanakit aims to build on her recent success at the CME Group Tour Championship.
Charley Hull and Daniel Berger: Hull, a free spirit from England, has had a strong year with two runner-up finishes and a win. Berger, a semi-regular in the QBE Shootout, brings his consistent game to the team.
Lydia Ko and Jason Day: Ko dominates on the Gold Course, having won LPGA titles here in 2014 and 2022. She and Day also prevailed in the inaugural mixed edition in 2023. Their short games are simply sublime.
Nelly Korda and Denny McCarthy: Korda, a consistent performer, is looking for her first win of the year. She pairs up with McCarthy, who also had a T4 finish here in 2023.
Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners: This Canadian duo seems poised for victory. They have finished in the top 5 in the first two editions and are determined to take the title. Their efficiency from tee to green makes them a formidable team.
This tournament promises an enjoyable gathering of elite talent from the top professional golf circuits in the United States. While golf is about community, the competitive spirit among these willing participants creates an unforgettable experience.
The course at Tiburón has hosted the CME Group Tour Championship since 2013, and many of the players in this week's field have experience here. The Gold Course sets up as a challenging par 72, with different tee lengths for men and women. The putting surfaces can be tricky, reaching 12 ½ feet on the Stimpmeter.
As for the scoring formats, the opening scramble saw Tavatanakit and Knapp take an early lead last year. The second round featured alternate shot, where they signed for a 66. The final round will be a modified Four-ball, adding an exciting twist to the competition.
Weather-wise, Mother Nature is expected to cooperate, with only a slight chance of rain on the weekend. Otherwise, golfers can expect light winds and comfortable temperatures.
The winning team will walk away with a $1 million split, a significant incentive for these talented golfers.
So, who do you think will emerge victorious? Will the defending champions retain their title, or will a new duo take the crown? Let's find out at the Grant Thornton Invitational!
