PGA Tour, LPGA adds new mixed-team event for 2023 season

The PGA Tour and LPGA will join hands to come together for a mixed-team event scheduled to take place at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. The tournament will be part of the Challenge Season and will be held from December 8 to 10.

The mixed tournament with a purse of $4 million comprises 32 players from the PGA Tour and LPGA. The field will be graced by the Korda sisters (Nelly and Jessica), Mel Reid, Cameron Champ, Rickie Fowler, Tony Finau, and many others.

While announcing the news, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan revealed that they are looking forward to delivering a full entertainment competition. He said:

“As we look to capitalize on the growing interest in the game of golf, the addition of a mixed event to the calendar has been a priority, and we greatly appreciate title sponsor Grant Thornton for their support in delivering an event that will make our sport more appealing and welcoming to all."

He went on to say:

“We look forward to partnering with the LPGA as we deliver first-class entertainment and competition to our fans and the residents of Southwest Florida, who have embraced the PGA Tour for the past 22 years.”

LPGA Tour Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan also opened up about the PGA and LPGA Tour partnership and said:

"This is an important step forward for golf, women’s golf and the LPGA. We’re incredibly grateful for the leadership of our partners at the PGA Tour and Grant Thornton, and we look forward to producing a best-in-class event that inspires, elevates and advances opportunities for golfers around the globe.”

It is pertinent to note that it will be the first mixed tournament since the JCPenney Classic was held in 1999. Noticeably, John Daly and Laura Davies won the final edition of the tournament back then.

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"Our fans deserve it" - Tony Finau on the mixed team event of PGA Tour and LPGA Tour

PGA Tour player Tony Finau is excited to compete in a mixed-team event. Speaking about the tournament, Finau said:

"PGA Tour athletes playing alongside the best athletes from the LPGA Tour is going to be incredible for our fans. They’ve been wanting something like this for a long time. Our fans deserve it, and seeing Grant Thornton stepping up to help the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour put together this tournament, I think is very special."

World No. 2 Nelly Korda believes it would be the perfect opportunity for her to help and grow her game and also to inspire the younger generation. She said:

"The Grant Thornton Invitational really is about being inclusive and showing people that golf can be accessible for everyone, no matter what way you play. This is going to be the perfect opportunity for me to do something important in helping to grow the game and inspire the next generation.”

Korda previously joined Lexi Thompson to compete at the QBE Shootout in 2022 and finished in fifth position while playing alongside her partner Denny McCarthy. Thompson was tied for 10th position playing alongside Maverick McNealy.