In an exhilarating display of skill and teamwork, Lexi Thompson and Wyndham Clark joined forces with Charley Hull and Michael Brennan to dominate the Grant Thornton Invitational, both teams posting an impressive 17-under 55 on Friday at Tiburon Golf Club. This remarkable performance not only showcased their prowess but also shattered the event’s previous scoring record established just three years prior.
The scramble format of the tournament proved advantageous, with the course in pristine condition. Each team made just three pars, highlighting their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Hull, who had been adjusting her swing just days before the competition, expressed surprise at their success, noting her initial frustrations. “I was actually pretty nervous today,” she commented, reflecting on her swing troubles earlier in the week. “But it worked out pretty well.”
Brennan, who filled in for the absent Daniel Berger, had an outstanding performance. He previously competed on the PGA Tour of Americas and even won the Bank of Utah Championship. He and Hull put together an impressive run, managing to record birdies or eagles on 13 consecutive holes before settling for pars on the 16th and 18th.
Thompson and Clark also demonstrated a formidable partnership, combining to secure birdies or eagles on nine of their last ten holes, with the only flaw being a par on the par-3 16th. “I feel like we kind of have similar games,” Clark remarked, emphasizing their complementary styles. Thompson’s powerful drives allowed their team to gain a significant advantage over the competition.
As the teams headed into the weekend, they held a two-shot lead over the duo of Lauren Coughlin and Andrew Novak. Notably, the pairings of Rose Zhang and Michael Kim, as well as Nelly Korda and Denny McCarthy, and Jennifer Kupcho and Chris Gotterup, trailed by three strokes.
The competition is set to intensify as the format transitions to foursomes on Saturday, known for its difficulty due to players alternating shots with a single golf ball. The final round on Sunday will utilize a modified fourballs format, promising more thrilling moments ahead.
Defending champions Jake Knapp and Patty Tavatanakit put up a commendable fight, reaching 7 under through the first six holes and finishing the final seven holes at 5 under, concluding with a score of 59. However, they find themselves four shots behind the leaders as the tournament progresses. The stage is set for an exciting continuation in this mixed-team event, with competitors eager to seize the championship.
