The Grant Thornton Invitational is this week, and as is usually the case, the field (particularly on the PGA Tour side) is a bit disappointing. So what would the best version of this event look like? Here, I will create 16 teams of one LPGA Tour player and one PGA Tour player to try and create the most intriguing field for a mixed golf event possible (Note: There’s no Tiger Woods here because that would be too easy):
NELLY KORDA and SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER
This feels like the biggest layup on the board, with Nelly Korda and Scottie Scheffler being the consensus biggest American stars on their respective tours. The 2024 seasons of each mirrored each other and both have Olympic Gold Medals to their names. They also have similar demeanors and attitudes on and off course that would probably make for some good on-course chemistry.
CHARLEY HULL and RORY McILROY
Certainly these two would dominate the headlines in the media room, as no players are more outspoken in the world than Rory and Charley. These two players also have similar, aggressive play styles and dedicated fanbases that can’t be matched by anyone else.
JEENO THITIKUL and TOM KIM
These two have paired up together in the Grant Thornton before to some solid success. Both are super young, engaging personalities who give the fans a good time on the golf course. Jeeno being in the best possible field is a must, and I can’t think of much better partners for her to have than Kim.
LOTTIE WOAD and JUSTIN ROSE
Despite him not playing this week at the Grant Thornton, no prominent men’s player has done more to support the women’s game than Justin Rose through his event on the Ladies European Tour. Pairing one of the older veteran English players with a new, big name superstar would create a very interesting dynamic.
MEGAN KHANG and KEEGAN BRADLEY
Two fiery, passionate Bostonians would be fun to watch get each other fired up and bring some real entertainment factor to this event. Obviously Bradley was recently the Ryder Cup captain for the United States, while Khang is almost unanimously considered the heart and soul of the Solheim Cup team. Get these two on the course and get the popcorn ready.
LYDIA KO and JASON DAY
The first of a couple teams I am keeping in place, I have no notes on this pairing. Both players, coming from the Oceania region, were superstars throughout the 2010’s. While Ko’s career has continued to soar over the last five years, compared to Jason Day, they are still two likable big name fan-favorite stars.
JESSICA KORDA and JUSTIN THOMAS
It is great to have Korda back this weekend, and while there are plenty of options to pair her with, like close friend Patrick Cantlay, I think Thomas would bring more entertainment value to the golf course.
LINN GRANT and LUDVIG ÅBERG
There’s a few potential players from Sweden to pair with Åberg, including Madelene Sagström, who he has played with here in the past. I think the most fun potential though is Linn Grant, who has one of the most fun golf games to watch in the world when she is on.
LEONA MAGUIRE and SHANE LOWRY
Though Leona Maguire is far from the top player in this field, it is impossible to pass up pairing her with her fellow player from Ireland, Shane Lowry. This team would be a blast to watch tee it up in Naples, one of the groups I have been hoping for since this tournament was first announced.
AKIE/CHISATO IWAI and HIDEKI MATSUYAMA
The story of the LPGA Tour right now is the players from Japan, so in the best possible field, there would have to be a representative team from the country. Either Iwai sister would be fun to pair with Hideki Matsuyama as I think both would really embrace the fun of being paired with one of the most famous athletes from their home country.
LILIA VU and JORDAN SPIETH
While neither of these American superstars are exactly at their best currently, I do think a pairing of them would be fun to see play out. Spieth is a bit more on the emotional side of the two, but they bring some similar demeanors and their games draw some similarities when they are playing well.
MINJEE LEE and MIN WOO LEE
This really shouldn’t need an explanation, having the Lee siblings tee it up should be a no-brainer.
BROOKE HENDERSON and TOMMY FLEETWOOD
I like the idea of this Henderson and Fleetwood team up. Though Henderson has been friends with Corey Conners since childhood, her and Fleetwood draw a lot of parallels. While they share Taylormade endorsements, they also are just two of the most likable players on each of their tours. Nobody has ever been upset over Fleetwood or Henderson playing well.
ALLISEN CORPUZ and SAHITH THEEGALA
Speaking of childhood friends, this pairing took part in the Grant Thornton last year, and it was disappointing to not see them pair back up. These two have known each other since they were young kids and it gives a fun story with some real chemistry to follow.
HANNAH GREEN and ADAM SCOTT
Two of the best Australian players on their respective tours, I think seeing Scott and Green play together would be a lot of fun. With the exception of Jason Day, Australia hasn’t had a huge presence in this event, which is odd for a country who has such a tight-nit professional golf community.
COLLIN MORIKAWA and ROSE ZHANG
Obviously, these two in common that they are both superstars from Bay Area schools, Zhang having played at Stanford while Morikawa played at Cal. Putting the rivalry aside for a week to take on the Grant Thornton would be fun, and show off two wildly accomplished young stars.
