Lydia Ko & Jason Day win the Grant Thornton Invitational with a birdie on the final hole
In an innovation meant to underline the need for gender equality in prize money, Grant Thornton’s new Invitational event in USA drew strong representation from the top players on both the PGA and LPGA Tours.
New Zealander Lydia Ko and Australian Jason Day secured victory with an impressive total of 26-under par, edging out the Canadian team of Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners by one stroke.
In the final round of the event, 16 teams of two competed in a modified four-ball format. Team Henderson and Team Ko shared the lead at 25-under par after the 17th hole, and the outcome hinged on a pivotal birdie by Ko on the final hole. Unfortunately, Henderson’s team fell short with a par, sealing Ko and her partner’s triumphant finish.
Tournament format –
Friday – Scramble
Saturday – Alternate shot
Sunday – Modified four-ball
A similar tournament, the Ballantine’s Golf Challenge was played in 2022 which involved PGTI and WGAI, the governing bodies for men’s and women’s golf in India with a promise of making it an annual event. The tournament was won by the team consisting of Aadil Bedi, Ankur Chadha, and Hitaashee Bakshi.
However, it failed to return on the schedule this season and adds to the question of whether similar tournaments can really find a permanent spot on the players’ busy schedules.
Photo – LET Flickr