Excitement Builds in Naples as Grant Thornton Invitational Continues
Naples, Florida, is buzzing with excitement as the 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational dives into its second round on Saturday at the stunning Tiburon Golf Club. This tournament isn’t your regular golf event; it’s a mixed-team competition bringing golfers of different backgrounds together for some thrilling action on the green.
Leading the Charge
After a breathtaking first round, Patty Tavatanakit and Jake Knapp are currently sitting at the top of the leaderboard, finishing with an impressive score of 58. Their performance in the scramble format has put them just one stroke ahead of the competition, showcasing some fantastic teamwork and skill. But it won’t be easy defending their lead, as they face stiff competition close behind.
Tied for second place are the strong duo of Jennifer Kupcho and Akshay Bhatia, along with Canadian favorites Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners, both at an impressive 13 under. These teams are definitely not to be overlooked as they aim to reclaim the lead on Saturday.
What’s on the Agenda?
As we roll into the second round, teams will switch gears from the scramble format to a traditional foursomes format, which means teams will take turns hitting the same ball. This shift means that strategy and precision will be key, as every shot counts even more. Golfers will need to showcase their chemistry and coordination on the course, making for an exciting show.
Tune In
Golf fans, make sure to mark your calendars! You can catch all the Round 2 action on the Golf Channel and NBC. The coverage kicks off at 2 p.m. ET on Golf Channel, followed by a transition to NBC at 3 p.m. ET. For those wanting to catch the live broadcast, Peacock will offer a simulcast of NBC’s coverage. Plus, if you have a cable subscription, don’t worry—you can also watch through NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App.
Saturday’s Tee Times
Here’s a breakdown of the exciting matchups to watch out for:
- 10:55 a.m. – Gabi Ruffels/Nick Dunlap; Mel Reid/Cameron Champ
- 11:07 a.m. – Megan Khang/Matt Kuchar; Andrea Lee/Max Greyserman
- 11:19 a.m. – Lexi Thompson/Rickie Fowler; Nelly Korda/Daniel Berger
- 11:31 a.m. – Lauren Coughlin/Cameron Young; Lilia Vu/Luke List
- 11:43 a.m. – Lydia Ko/Jason Day; Celine Boutier/Matthieu Pavon
- 11:55 a.m. – Allisen Corpuz/Sahith Theegala; Jeeno Thitikul/Tom Kim
- 12:07 p.m. – Brooke Henderson/Corey Conners; Maja Stark/J.T. Poston
- 12:19 p.m. – Patty Tavatanakit/Jake Knapp; Jennifer Kupcho/Akshay Bhatia
A Weekend to Remember
This weekend promises to deliver high-stakes drama and nail-biting moments as the best players hit the course under the Florida sun. With a mix of stars and emerging talent, the Grant Thornton Invitational is not just a showcase of skill; it’s also a celebration of collaboration in the sport of golf. So grab your popcorn, get comfy, and enjoy the action!
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
