Novak & Coughlin Win Grant Thornton Invitational | Golf News

Novak and Coughlin Capture Grant Thornton Invitational Title in Record-Breaking Performance

A dominant performance culminated in a three-shot victory for Andrew Novak and Lauren Coughlin at the Grant Thornton Invitational on Sunday, setting a new tournament record with a 28-under 188 total. The pair’s extraordinary showing at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, marks Novak’s second team title of the year.

The duo faced a strong challenge from Chris Gotterup and Jennifer Kupcho throughout the final round, but ultimately prevailed thanks to a crucial stretch on the back nine. novak’s three consecutive birdies, beginning on the 13th hole, proved pivotal in securing the win.

Did you know? – The Grant Thornton Invitational is a unique event featuring teams comprised of one PGA Tour and one LPGA Tour player competing in a modified four-ball format.This year marked the tournament’s inaugural event.

Back Nine Surge Seals the Deal

novak’s momentum began on the 13th green, where he reportedly didn’t fully grasp the tournament’s closeness until seeing the leaderboard. “We had more holes than anyone else,” he stated, referencing the numerous birdie opportunities they capitalized on down the stretch. He followed up a 7-foot birdie putt on the 13th with 10-footers on both the 14th and 15th holes.

The decisive moment came on the par-5 17th. while Gotterup and Kupcho struggled to find the green, Novak calmly sank a 6-foot birdie putt, extending their lead to two strokes heading into the final hole.Coughlin then contributed a crucial birdie putt of her own, solidifying the team’s record-breaking score.

Pro tip: – In modified four-ball, both players tee off on each hole, then each player plays their second shot from where their partner’s shot lies. This continues until the hole is completed, requiring strong teamwork and communication.

Competition Falls short

The team of Gotterup and Kupcho finished in a tie for second place with a final-round 63, alongside Denny McCarthy and Nelly Korda, and Michael Brennan and Charley Hull (65). Korda had a chance to improve her team’s position on the 18th hole, but a missed 10-foot birdie putt left them just short of contention.

Despite the near miss, Korda will have another chance to compete in a team event next week at the PNC Championship, where she will team up with her father.

Novak’s Pursuit of a “Grand Slam”

This victory adds to Novak’s growing list of accomplishments in team play. He previously won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with Ben Griffin, the only team event on the PGA Tour. Novak playfully described his ambition to win both the PGA Tour and mixed-team events as a “modern day grand slam.”

Both Novak and Coughlin earned $500,000 for their victory, with the payout representing the largest of Coughlin’s career, having already secured two LPGA wins last year.

Reader question: – Do you think mixed-team events like the Grant Thornton Invitational are a good way to grow the game of golf and attract new fans? Share your thoughts!

The Grant Thornton Invitational showcased the exciting format of modified fourballs, where both players

Why: The article details the victory of Andrew Novak and lauren Coughlin at the grant Thornton Invitational.
Who: Andrew Novak and Lauren Coughlin won the tournament. Key competitors included Chris Gotterup, Jennifer Kupcho, Denny McCarthy, Nelly Korda, Michael Brennan, and Charley Hull.
What: Novak and Coughlin won the inaugural Grant Thornton Invitational with a record-breaking score of