Two Interesting Pairings at the 2025 Grant Thornton Invitational
Tiburón Golf Club in Naples will stage the third edition of the Grant Thornton Invitational this week, a mixed-team Challenge Season showcase. The field features 16 pairs made up of one PGA Tour player and one LPGA player, with the teams vying for a shared four-million-dollar purse. Over three days, competitors will rotate through three formats: scramble, foursomes, and a modified four-ball to determine the champions. This year’s lineup boasts 137 combined career victories across the LPGA and PGA Tours, including nine earned this season alone. Players from seven different countries will be represented at the event in Naples. We will see two interesting pairs for the three-day event ending on the 14th of December.
Nelly Korda and Denny McCarthy
Everyone seems to know Nelly Korda, but her partner may be a surprise to others. Denny McCarthy is an American professional golfer known for his elite putting and steady rise on the PGA Tour. McCarthy has built a reputation as one of the Tour’s best on the greens, consistently ranking near the top in strokes gained: putting. He is still seeking his first PGA Tour victory. McCarthy appears close to turning his consistent performances into a long-awaited win. Both players are experienced in this event and have finished tied fourth with other players, and this year is the first time that they have paired together. They could easily emerge as one of the standout teams of the week if they find rhythm.
Charley Hull and Daniel Berger
Charley Hull and Daniel Berger make for an intriguing duo, blending Hull’s fiery competitiveness and aggressive shot-making with Berger’s poised, methodical style. Hull brings an undeniable spark whenever she’s in the field, capable of changing momentum with fearless swings and emotional energy. Berger, meanwhile, offers steadiness and precision, especially with his iron play, giving the pairing a strong foundation. They create a dynamic contrast, Hull’s intensity balanced by Berger’s calm, which makes their partnership both compelling to watch and potentially very effective in a team setting. Their complementary strengths give them the potential to thrive in multiple formats. The balance of firepower and control could make them a difficult team for opponents to match over three days.
