Lauren Coughlin and Andrew Novak Take the Lead at the Grant Thornton Invitational
NAPLES, Fla. — In a thrilling turn of events, Lauren Coughlin and Andrew Novak have taken the lead at the Grant Thornton Invitational, a unique mixed-team golf tournament. On Saturday, the duo impressed with a 4-under 68 in foursomes, putting them one shot ahead of the competition. Coughlin’s exceptional bunker shot for eagle on the par-5 17th hole was a highlight of the day, showcasing her skill and precision.
A Strong Partnership
For Andrew Novak, this is another opportunity to claim a team title this year, having already won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with partner Ben Griffin. The Grant Thornton Invitational is the only mixed-team event on the calendar, making it a special and exciting competition for participants and spectators alike. Novak and Coughlin’s partnership is proving to be a formidable one, with their combined talent and strategy paying off as they head into the final round.
Currently, they are at 19-under 125, narrowly leading Charley Hull and Michael Brennan by one shot. Hull and Brennan had been poised to share the lead but suffered a setback with a three-putt bogey on the final hole, where Hull lipped out from just outside 3 feet, resulting in a 71 for the day. Another strong contender, Lexi Thompson and Wyndham Clark, finished with eight straight pars for a 72, placing them two shots behind the leaders.
Final Round Format
The final round will feature a modified fourballs format, where each player tees off, then they switch golf balls and stick with that ball for the remainder of the game, with the low score counting. This format is expected to lead to lower scoring, as players will have the opportunity to play more aggressively and strategically. The Canadian duo of Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners demonstrated the potential for low scores in the more challenging foursomes format, achieving seven birdies and briefly sharing the lead before a bogey on the 18th hole for a 67.
Other teams, such as Nelly Korda and Denny McCarthy, and Jennifer Kupcho and Chris Gotterup, are also in contention, three shots behind the leaders after scoring 70. The Kupcho-Gotterup and Coughlin-Novak teams both experienced a double bogey on the par-5 14th but showed resilience in their ability to bounce back, with Coughlin’s eagle on the 17th being a crucial moment in their round.
Player Insights
Andrew Novak reflected on their performance, saying, “Four birdies and an eagle, that’s really, really solid for alternate shot.” He maintained his characteristic light-hearted approach when discussing his desire to win the Grant Thornton Invitational, joking about it being part of a “modern-day Grand Slam” along with his Zurich Classic title. Novak’s humor and focus on his legacy highlight his commitment to performing at his best in the final round.
Charley Hull, on the other hand, expressed her preference for being in the chasing position, indicating that she feels it can be an advantage. “Obviously, it would have been nice going with the lead into the final round,” she said, “But we can make plenty of birdies out there tomorrow.” Her optimism and confidence in her team’s ability to make a comeback will undoubtedly make for an exciting final round.
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the Grant Thornton Invitational, with several teams in close contention. As the players prepare for the final round, the anticipation builds, and golf fans around the world will be watching closely to see who will emerge victorious. With the unique format and talented field, this tournament promises to deliver an unforgettable finish.
