Power Rankings: See where teams rank before Grant Thornton Invitational - PGA TOUR
A Festive Golf Extravaganza
While partnerships between male and female golfers are always exciting, the holiday season brings an extra layer of magic to this event. The Grant Thornton Invitational, set against the backdrop of Tiburón Golf Club's Gold Course in Naples, Florida, is a celebration of talent and camaraderie.
This year, all 16 teams consist of one PGA TOUR member and one LPGA representative, a tradition that has been going strong for three years. Among the teams, only three partnerships from last year remain, with Patty Tavatanakit and Jake Knapp defending their title. The tournament, which begins on Friday, offers a unique scoring format for each of its three rounds, adding an extra layer of strategy and excitement.
Let's dive into the Power Rankings, exploring the teams and their stories:
Jessica Korda-Bud Cauley: Korda returns after a lengthy break, having rested from an injury and welcoming her first child. She's a six-time LPGA champion, and Cauley, fresh from a successful 2025, will be a familiar face at Tiburón, having last competed there in 2012.
Lilia Vu-Tony Finau: A potential slump-buster for both players. Vu, once ranked No. 1 in the Rolex Rankings, struggled with a sore back last year, finishing T11. Finau, a late scratch, hasn't had a top 30 finish in eight starts. This partnership could be a turning point for both.
Angel Yin-Tom Hoge: Yin, a tournament debutant, finished second in the LPGA event two years ago. She's had a strong start to the year with six top 10s but hasn't been in the top 25 in her last seven. Hoge, a familiar face at Tiburón, won the QBE Shootout in 2022.
Lottie Woad-Luke Clanton: A young and dynamic duo from Florida State University. Clanton, 22, has turned heads, while Woad, an amateur, has already achieved success, winning in Ireland and placing T3 at the Evian Championship. Their combined age of 43 adds to the intrigue.
Lexi Thompson-Wyndham Clark: A clash of experiences. Clark, a Tiburón debutant, impressed with a T8 at the Hero World Challenge. Thompson, a two-time LPGA winner at Tiburón, paired with Rickie Fowler in 2023 and 2024.
Rose Zhang-Michael Kim: A rare collaboration between Stanford and Cal alumni. Zhang, the Cardinal, last paired with Sahith Theegala in 2023 for a T9. Kim, the Golden Bear, has had a career-best year, highlighted by a win in France. Their contrasting styles make for an intriguing partnership.
Maja Stark-Neal Shipley: A debut at Tiburón for both. Stark, the 2025 LPGA major champion, and Shipley, a course debutant, team up with the U.S. Women's Open champion. Their partnership adds an element of surprise and potential.
Lauren Coughlin-Andrew Novak: A dynamic duo with complementary skills. Coughlin, a course debutant, and Novak, a winner of the PGA TOUR's Zurich Classic of New Orleans, form a powerful team. Their combined strengths could make them a force to be reckoned with.
Jennifer Kupcho-Chris Gotterup: A sleeper team with exceptional skills. Gotterup, one of the longest hitters on the PGA TOUR, and Kupcho, a strong putter, have both been winners since June. Their tee-to-green game and putting prowess make them a serious contender.
Andrea Lee-Billy Horschel: Reunited after a T14 in 2023, Lee and Horschel have a history of success. Lee, a top performer this year, and Horschel, returning from surgery, form a powerful partnership. Their combined top 10s and top 25s make them a strong choice.
Megan Khang-Keith Mitchell: An intriguing duo with similar profiles. Khang, after successful partnerships, teams up with Mitchell, one of the PGA TOUR's longest and straightest hitters. Their consistency and skill make them a top contender.
Patty Tavatanakit-Jake Knapp: Defending champions and a dynamic duo. Tavatanakit and Knapp, UCLA alums, set a tournament record last year. Knapp, returning after a break, and Tavatanakit, with a T7 finish at Tiburón, are a force to be reckoned with.
Charley Hull-Daniel Berger: A free-spirited English duo with a history of success. Hull, a Rolex Rankings top-5 player, and Berger, a steady performer, shared ninth place in 2023. Their combined strengths and course familiarity make them a strong pick.
Lydia Ko-Jason Day: Ko, a master of the Gold Course, won LPGA titles here in 2014 and 2022. Day, a steady player, joined forces with Ko in 2023 for a T6 finish. Their short games are exceptional, making them a top-tier partnership.
Nelly Korda-Denny McCarthy: Korda, a versatile player, seeks to win at Tiburón after a recent slump. McCarthy, a putting wizard, has been a consistent partner. Their history and skill make them a strong contender.
Brooke Henderson-Corey Conners: A Canadian duo destined for success. Henderson and Conners, with their tee-to-green efficiency, finished T2 and T4 in the first two editions. Their experience and determination make them the favorites to win.
This tournament promises an exciting blend of competition and camaraderie, showcasing the best talent from the top professional golf circuits. With a mix of course experience and fresh partnerships, the Grant Thornton Invitational is a must-watch event for golf enthusiasts.
