Lydia Ko and Jason Day win the PGA/LPGA mixed tournament for the
Korean New Zealander Lydia Ko won the Grant Thornton Invitational (total prize money of $4 million) working with Jason Day (Australia).
Lydia Ko and Day hit 6 under par 66 with 6 birdies and no bogeys in the final 3rd round of the tournament held at the Gold Course (par 72) of Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, USA on the 11th (Korean time).
The two players, who recorded a final total of 26 under par and 190 strokes, finished the tournament in first place by one stroke and shared the championship prize of $1 million (KRW 1.32 billion).
This tournament, held for the first time this year, was held with players from the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour forming teams of men and women.A total of 16 teams participated.
The first round was played in a scramble format where each player took a shot and then picked a ball to hit the next shot, and the second round was played in a foursome format where each player took turns hitting one ball.
The third round was held in a modified four-ball format, with each player taking a tee shot and then playing with their partner"s ball from the second shot, with the team"s score being the better score.
Lydia Ko and Day, who started the first round in a tie for 4th place (14 under par, 58 strokes), reduced 6 strokes in the second round to rise to sole first place, and maintained their lead with a no-bogey streak on the last day.
Runners up were Brooke Henderson and Corey Connors (Canada) with 25 under par and 191 strokes, and third place was Ludwig Arbery and Madeleine Saxström (Sweden, 26 under par and 192 strokes).
Lydia Go, who did not win this year, alleviated some of her disappointment with the trophy from the event competition.Her best result in the 2023 season is 3rd place in the BMW Ladies Championship in October.
Lydia Go said, "I hope this will motivate the junior athletes watching the competition," and added, "It was a fun experience, and I hope this competition continues in the future."
Partner Day said, "I think it was the most stress-free win because I knew Lydia Go would come out last," and added, "I was able to end the year on a happy note through this competition."
This is the first mixed tournament in which PGA Tour and LPGA Tour players team up together, 24 years after the JC Penny
Classic, which was held until 1999.