ANZAC Combination takes Grant Thornton Invitational
Jason Day and Lydia Ko – image Getty Images
Jason Day and Lydia Ko formed a formidable ANZAC combination to win the inaugural Grant Thornton Invitational in Naples, Florida, the pair winning by one over the Canadians Brooke Henderson and Corey Connors.
Played over 54 holes with the Scramble, Foursomes and Modified Four-Ball being used consecutively over the three days, Day and Ko held off a fast finish by the Canadians to win the US$1 million first prize and end 20-23 on a winning note.
“I mean, it was a fantastic week, said Day. “I think trying to learn Lydia’s game, it was hard. There wasn’t much to learn because she flushes it so straight and she hits a lot of greens and she has a good short game and she putts well.
“I think the second day we really needed to kind of nail the format down because obviously alternate shot is the hardest format, I believe. But walking away from this week, I think it’s been a huge success. I think a lot of the guys have had a lot of fun playing with the women this week, and I think it’s been a great partnership between the LPGA and the PGA TOUR.”
Ko also enthused about the experience of playing in such an event and the opportunity to play with a PGA Tour player in the heat of the battle as teammates.
“There’s normally an Australian and New Zealand rivalry, but that was not there this week. Playing the practice round on Tuesday I think was really helpful for me.
“In ways I think I’m a little introverted, so when I meet someone new and that person happens to be Jason, it’s not like the most comfortable situation to be in. But he kept asking me questions and was so nice that I think it made me feel like five, six days ago wasn’t the first time I had met him and his caddie Luke.
“This week I think every player that’s here, whether it’s the PGA TOUR player or LPGA player, I think we’re here for more than just the prize money and winning. It’s about the growth of the game.”
