NAPLES, Florida — Tony Finau and Nelly Korda barged into the top spot following an eagle-birdie finish Friday for a 16-under 56 in the scramble format and a one-shot lead in the Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club.
The inaugural mixed-team competition among PGA and LPGA stars was good as advertised with light, jovial atmosphere and low scores in the scramble format.
“It was fantastic,” Finau said. “We had a lot of fun and hit a lot of great shots. I watched a lot of great shots, a lot of great putts.”
Korda was also in high spirits specially after Finau fired a 9-iron on the par-5 17th hole that set up an eagle.
“I got to see shots that normally I wouldn’t let’s say on the women’s tour,” she said. “That squeezer 9 you hit on No. 17 was absolutely incredible. It’s fun to see it first-hand as well.”
Lucas Glover and Leona Maguire birdied their opening 10 holes and posted a 57, tied with Denny McCarthy and Megan Khang at second place.