The first batch of team pairings for the Grant Thornton Invitational just dropped, and get this: all three are returning partnerships, setting up some serious anticipation. Leading the charge are the defending champions, Andrew Novak and Lauren Coughlin, who are heading back to Naples, Florida, to try and hold onto their title.
Novak and Coughlin Are Coming Back Hot
You remember what these two pulled off last year, right? Novak himself called Coughlin “the most reliable golfer he’s ever played with,” and we all saw why. They absolutely tore up Tiburon Golf Club, hitting a ridiculous 28-under total, which was an event record. Their closing 63 in the modified four-ball format was insane, especially with those five birdies in the last six holes. And the payday? A cool $500,000 each. That was the biggest check of Coughlin’s career, no joke. They’re going to be tough to beat.
Who Else Is Lacing Up For Naples?
Besides our defending champs, two other power duos are making their return. We’ve got the Canadian pair, Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners, ready to show out again. And then there’s Chris Gotterup and Jennifer Kupcho rounding out this first wave of announcements. All three of these partnerships are clearly comfortable playing together, which is exactly what you want in this mixed-team format. This year’s Invitational, set for December 11-13 in Naples, Florida, will feature 16 two-person teams, each with one PGA Tour player and one LPGA player. It’s the fourth time they’ve run this event, and with these pairings already locked in, it’s shaping up to be another wild ride.
So mark your calendars for December 11-13. With Novak and Coughlin back to defend their record-setting performance, and other strong teams returning, the Grant Thornton Invitational is going to be must-watch golf. Can anyone catch the champs? We’ll find out soon enough.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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