The golf world is about to get a serious jolt of energy, just what’s needed in the middle of December. We’re talking about the third annual Grant Thornton Invitational, and trust me, you’re gonna want to clear your calendars for this one.
Mark it down: December 12th through 14th. Unless you’re there for the Pro-Am, that’s when all the action goes down at the absolutely stunning Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida.
While everyone else is freezing their putters off, these pros are out there basking in that sweet Florida sun, battling it out for some serious cash. I’ll be watching over the next few days just to live vicariously.
Of course, there are other places to play golf this winter without flying overseas, Naples is always a top pick!
But before we watch, there’s another reason to get excited: Prize money. The winning team gets to split a cool million dollars. That’s enough to buy a lot of new gear (one of my favorite ways to spend money). And the overall pot is $4 million. The stakes are officially sky-high, which means the drama is going to be chef’s kiss.
Breaking Down the Formats
But here’s where it gets really interesting, and why this event isn’t just another stroll in the park. The format is a total rollercoaster, designed to test these duos in every way possible.
Day one? That’s the Scramble. You know the drill. Both players hit, pick the best ball, and repeat. It’s aggressive, it’s fun, and it lets everyone swing out of their shoes without too much pressure. It’s basically an invitation to go low and make some fireworks right out of the gate. Think of it as the warm-up act before the real psychological warfare begins.
Then comes day two, and this is where things get real. It’s Foursomes, also known as alternate shot. Oof. If you’ve ever played this with a buddy, you know the absolute terror and triumph it can bring. One bad shot from your partner, and suddenly you’re the one digging it out of the trees.
It’s pure partnership intensity, reminiscent of some of the Ryder Cup’s most controversial moments, where nerves and teamwork are tested to their absolute limits. This is where we’ll really see who gels under pressure and who might be giving their partner the side-eye. You can practically feel the tension building already, can’t you?
And finally, for the grand finale on day three, they’re switching to Modified Fourballs. This is a smart move. Players swap balls after the tee off, then the lower score of the partners is then counted as the team score for the hole. It’s still team play, still strategic, but gives them a little more individual control after the alternate-shot gauntlet.
It balances the fun of the scramble with the pressure of individual performance, all while keeping that team dynamic alive. You can read more about the styles and the schedule at the official invitational site.
You can watch it on the NBC Sports app. Honestly, this unique blend of formats is what makes the Grant Thornton Invitational such a blast to watch. It’s about who’s got the best chemistry, who can recover from a tough shot, and who can truly play as a team. Get ready for some serious golf, some unexpected heroes, and probably a few nail-biting finishes.
Nick is the founder of GolfSpan and an avid golfer. He’s not quite a pro but has over 15 years of experience playing and coaching golfers worldwide. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience when it comes to choosing the right golf gear and finding the right setup for your game.
