THREE OFF THE TEE

The Grant Thornton Invitational: A Weekend of Exciting Golf Ahead

As the Grant Thornton Invitational kicks off today, the golf world is abuzz with excitement. This tournament is not just another event on the golf calendar; it’s a unique celebration of the sport, bringing together the stars of both the PGA and LPGA Tours in a mixed-team format. The pairings and team names are as creative as they are competitive, highlighting the fun and camaraderie that golf can foster.

Pairings and Tee Times

Here are some of the notable pairings for Round 1, along with their tee times (all times Eastern):

• 9:10 a.m.: Mel Reid/Russell Henley; Allisen Corpuz/Cameron Champ
• 9:25 a.m.: Leona Maguire/Lucas Glover; Madelene Sagstrom/Ludvig Aberg
• 9:40 a.m.: Rose Zhang/Sahith Theegala; Lilia Vu/Joel Dahmen
• 9:55 a.m.: Megan Khang/Denny McCarthy; Cheyenne Knight/Tom Hoge
• 10:10 a.m.: Brooke Henderson/Corey Conners; Ruoning Yin/Nick Taylor
• 10:25 a.m.: Andrea Lee/Billy Horschel; Celine Boutier/Harris English
• 10:40 a.m.: Lydia Ko/Jason Day; Charley Hull/Justin Rose
• 10:55 a.m.: Nelly Korda/Tony Finau; Lexi Thompson/Rickie Fowler​​.

How to Watch

For those eager to catch the action, the Golf Channel and NBC will provide TV coverage, while Peacock offers online streaming. The schedule is as follows:

• Friday, Dec. 8: 1-4 p.m. ET (Golf Channel)
• Saturday, Dec. 9: 2-3 p.m. ET (Golf Channel); 3-5 p.m. ET (NBC)
• Sunday, Dec. 10: 1-2 p.m. ET (Golf Channel); 2-4 p.m. ET (NBC)​​​​.

A Testament to Golf’s Growth

The Grant Thornton Invitational is a testament to the growth of the game of golf. It’s not just about competition; it’s a celebration of the sport’s diversity, inclusivity, and innovation. This tournament showcases how golf can evolve, bringing together players from different tours and backgrounds to create an exciting, fan-friendly experience. It’s weekends like this that remind us why golf is such a beloved sport around the world.

Team Creativity Adds to the Fun

Adding to the excitement are the imaginative team names that players have come up with. For example, Team Vu-Tang, consisting of Joel Dahmen and Lilia Vu, and Team FiNelly, comprising Tony Finau and Nelly Korda, show the players’ flair for creativity and camaraderie. These names not only add a fun element to the competition but also help in engaging fans and creating memorable moments.

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My Picks to Win

As for the winners, my bets are on Rickie Fowler and Lexi Thompson, or Tony Finau and Nelly Korda. These pairs not only have the skills and experience to excel in the tournament’s unique format but also the chemistry to make them formidable teams. It’s sure to be a weekend full of top-notch golf, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.

The Grant Thornton Invitational is more than just a golf tournament; it’s a celebration of the sport’s present and future. As a golf fan, this is the kind of weekend you mark on your calendar, eager to witness the fusion of skill, strategy, and partnership on the course. Whether you’re a seasoned golf enthusiast or a casual viewer, this event promises to be a great watch.