Two-time Olympian Lydia Ko and former world No. 1 Jason Day take win at first mixed-team event since 1999
The Kiwi/Aussie duo took the title at the inaugural Grant Thornton Invitational in Florida
Golf
After stepping into the final round with a two stroke lead, two-time Olympic medalist Lydia Ko and former world No. 1 Jason Day held on to take the win at the inaugural Grant Thornton Invitational - the first PGA and LPGA mixed-team event since 1999.
Of the 16 mixed-teams that teed off in Naples, Florida, between 8 - 10 December, the Kiwi/Aussie pair came out on top by one stroke, finishing the three-round tournament 26 under to win the Grant Thornton trophy and one quarter of the $4 million prize purse.
“There’s normally an Australian and New Zealand rivalry,” Ko laughed as she spoke about her pairing with Day.
“But that was not there this week.”
The two met just days before the tournament, but told press that this win has solidified them as lifelong friends.
“When you have a mentality like [Lydia’s], you’re always going to pursue greatness and I think she’s going to be great for a long time.”
Jason Day of Australia react as Lydia Ko of New Zealand putts to clinch their win on the 18th green during the final round of the Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club on December 10, 2023 in Naples, Florida.
It was the JCPenny Classic that ran from 1960 - 1999 that saw the last PGA and LPGA mixed-team event. Nearly two and a half decades later, Grant Thornton revived the highly-anticipated event.
“I don't think I've seen so many female junior golfers out at an event, especially a PGA Tour event, as I did see them this week," Day said.
"This is something that I think we have to keep striving towards.
"To have the partnership between the two tours and to have the tournament going on, and the way (the organizers) put the show on, I think they really, really nailed it.”
The pair of Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners - Canada’s best male and female golfers - took a close second, just one stroke off Ko and Day.
One stroke behind the Canadians was the Swedes - Madelene Sagstrom and Ludvig Aberg who finished 24 under with the lowest final round.
Both Day and Ko said they hope to return to the tournament next year as partners, once again.
Brooke M. Henderson of Canada and Corey Conners of Canada embrace on the 18th green during the first round of the Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club on December 08, 2023 in Naples, Florida.
Results from the inaugural Grant Thornton Invitational
1. Lydia Ko/Jason Day (-26)
2. Brooke Henderson/Corey Conners (-25)
3. Madelene Sagstrom/Ludvig Aberg (-24)
T4. Megan Khang/Denny McCarthy (-23)
T4. Nelly Korda/Tony Finau (-23)
T6. Leona Maguire/Lucas Glover (-22)
T6. Lexi Thompson/Rickie Fowler (-22)
8. Ruoning Yin/Nick Taylor (-21)
T9. Rose Zhang/Sahith Theegala (-20)
T9. Lilia Vu/Joel Dahmen (-20)
T9. Charley Hull/Justin Rose (-20)
12. Celine Boutier/Harris English (-19)
13. Mel Reid/Russell Henley (-16)
T14. Allisen Corpuz/Cameron Champ (-14)
T14. Andrea Lee/Billy Horschel (-14)
16. Cheyenne Knight/Tom Hoge (-13)