PGA and LPGA Tours join forces in a mixed-format event at the Grant Thornton Invitational – featuring Jessica Korda’s comeback.
From December 12 to 14, 2025, the Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, will host the Grant Thornton Invitational, bringing together 16 mixed teams from the PGA and LPGA Tours for a unique season-ending event. The tournament features three rounds of different formats, emphasizing teamwork over individual performance, and offers fans a final chance to see top players in a fun yet competitive setting before the holidays.
The daily formats are as follows:
Grant Thornton Invitational Format
- Friday – Scramble: Both players tee off, choose the best shot, and play from that spot until the ball is holed.
- Saturday – Foursomes: Players alternate shots with the same ball. One tees off on odd-numbered holes, the other on even-numbered holes.
- Sunday – Fourballs: Both tee off, switch balls for the second shot, then complete the hole with that ball. The lower score counts.
This mixed team event is appreciated by players and fans alike for its unique dynamics and the challenge of building chemistry between partners.
Jessica Korda returns to competition
Six-time LPGA Tour winner and three-time Solheim Cup player Jessica Korda makes her competitive return at this year’s Grant Thornton Invitational. After stepping away in May 2023 due to a back injury, Korda will team up with Bud Cauley, who also had to pause his career following a serious car accident in 2018. Korda, who worked as a commentator at last year’s event, said, “I’ve watched from the media side the past two years and really wanted to play. This event was a no-brainer for me to test my body. I love it and had major FOMO seeing how much fun everyone had.”
Cauley added, “We’ve played a lot at home, and I know she’ll keep us in the fairway. I just want to return the favor.”
Nelly Korda, Jessica’s younger sister and a two-time major winner, is also in the field. “I’m really happy she’s back on the course,” said Nelly. “It’s always great to have family around. I just hope she enjoys it and takes it easy.”
Defending champions return
Last year’s winners Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand and American Jake Knapp will defend their title. Their success in 2024 was built on strong teamwork and consistent play across the varying formats. “There are fewer unknowns this year,” said Knapp. “We already know we get along well and have fun, which makes things easier.”
Since replacing the QBE Shootout in 2023, the Grant Thornton Invitational has become a highlight of the golf calendar, showcasing collaboration between the PGA and LPGA Tours. The blend of Scramble, Foursomes, and Fourballs allows players to display different strengths and promotes unity across the tours. The event will be broadcast on Sky Sports: