The world of professional golf is set to witness a historic moment with the announcement of a new mixed-team Challenge Season event, the Grant Thornton Invitational.
The PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, and Grant Thornton LLP have joined forces to create a unique co-sanctioned tournament, where male and female players will compete together for equal prize money and visibility.
Scheduled to debut on December 4-10, 2023, at Tiburón Golf Club and The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, the Grant Thornton Invitational will mark a significant departure from the current era of professional golf.
Commenting on the announcement, PGA TOUR commissioner, Jay Monahan, 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.”
““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,” he said.
LPGA commissioner, Mollie Marcoux, added: “We could not be more excited to add the Grant Thornton Invitational to our 2023 schedule.”
“By joining forces with the PGA TOUR to host a mixed event where the top male and female golfers in the world compete alongside each other, we’re going to deliver a memorable and entertaining experience for all golf fans, showcasing our players’ incredible skills in a new context to a new audience.
“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,” she said.
The tournament’s 32-player field will comprise 16 PGA TOUR and 16 LPGA Tour professionals, each vying for a us$4 million purse – with additional format details yet to be announced.
Additionally, the three-day tournament will be televised on NBC and Golf Channel, giving millions of golf fans worldwide a front-row seat to witness the thrilling action unfold.
