Imagine sinking a bunker shot for an eagle on a crucial hole to seize the lead in a high-stakes golf tournament. That’s exactly what Lauren Coughlin did on Saturday at the Grant Thornton Invitational in Naples, Florida, alongside her partner Andrew Novak. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this mixed-team event the new frontier in golf, or just a niche experiment? Let’s dive in.
Coughlin’s stunning eagle on the par-5 17th hole wasn’t just a highlight—it was a game-changer. Paired with Novak, the duo carded a 4-under 68 in the foursomes format, securing a one-shot lead heading into the final round. For Novak, this is another shot at a team title this year, following his victory with Ben Griffin at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. And this is the part most people miss: The Grant Thornton Invitational is the only mixed-team event on the calendar, making it a unique stage for both men and women to compete together.
Trailing by just one shot are Charley Hull and Michael Brennan, who were on the brink of sharing the lead until a costly three-putt bogey on the final hole. Meanwhile, Lexi Thompson and Wyndham Clark sit two shots back after a steady finish of eight straight pars. The final round switches to a modified fourballs format, where players swap balls after teeing off, promising lower scores and heightened drama.
Speaking of drama, the Canadian duo of Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners briefly shared the lead with seven birdies in the more challenging foursomes format, only to fall back with a bogey on the 18th. They’re now three shots behind, alongside Nelly Korda and Denny McCarthy, as well as Jennifer Kupcho and Chris Gotterup. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Does the mixed-team format level the playing field, or does it favor one gender over the other? Let’s hear your take in the comments.
Despite a double bogey on the par-5 14th, Coughlin’s heroics on the 17th helped her team recover. Novak, ever the optimist, quipped, ‘Four birdies and an eagle—that’s really, really solid for alternate shot.’ When asked about his chances of adding the Grant Thornton title to his Zurich Classic win, he joked, ‘Some are calling it the modern-day Grand Slam—Zurich, Grant Thornton. Obviously, thinking about my legacy a little bit tomorrow.’
Hull, meanwhile, embraces the chase. ‘It would have been nice to lead going into the final round,’ she admitted, ‘but we can make plenty of birdies out there tomorrow.’ With the stage set for a thrilling conclusion, one thing’s for sure: this mixed-team format is shaking up the golf world. What do you think? Is this the future of golf, or just a passing trend? Share your thoughts below!
