What's Happening?
Lexi Thompson and Charley Hull, along with their respective partners Wyndham Clark and Michael Brennan, set a new scoring record at the Grant Thornton Invitational by shooting a 17-under-par 55. The event,
held at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, features a three-day team format starting with a scramble. Thompson and Clark, as well as Hull and Brennan, took full advantage of the format, with both teams achieving eagles on multiple holes. Other notable performances included Lauren Coughlin and Andrew Novak, who are just two strokes behind, and three pairs who shot 14-under 58. The tournament will continue with different formats over the next two days.
Why It's Important?
The record-setting performance by Thompson and Hull highlights the growing collaboration between the PGA and LPGA tours, showcasing the talents of female golfers alongside their male counterparts. This event not only provides a platform for female golfers to demonstrate their skills but also promotes gender equality in sports. The success of such mixed events could encourage more tournaments to adopt similar formats, potentially increasing viewership and sponsorship opportunities for women's golf.
What's Next?
The tournament will proceed with a foursomes format on Saturday and a modified fourball on Sunday. The continuation of the event will test the adaptability and teamwork of the participants as they navigate different playing conditions. The outcome of the tournament could influence future collaborations between the PGA and LPGA tours, potentially leading to more integrated events in the golfing calendar.
