Novak and Coughlin Dominate to Win Grant Thornton Invitational

NAPLES, Fla. — The team of Andrew Novak and Lauren Coughlin proved to be an unstoppable force at Tiburón Golf Club, cruising to a three-stroke victory at the 2025 Grant Thornton Invitational.

Finishing with a tournament-record total of 28-under par (188), Novak and Coughlin capped off their week with a stellar 9-under 63 in the final round's modified four-ball format. Their chemistry was evident from day one, and they never let up, securing the $1 million first-place prize.

Evolution of the Mixed Format

The Grant Thornton Invitational has rapidly become one of the most anticipated weeks on the calendar, bridging the gap between the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour. In a sport often divided by gender, this event proves that the product is strongest when the best players in the world share the same fairways.

"To watch Lauren hit shots like that under pressure was inspiring," Novak said. "We fed off each other's energy all week. That's what this tournament is all about."

A Crowded Runner-Up Finish

While the champions separated themselves from the pack, the battle for second place was fierce, showcasing the depth of talent in both tours. Three teams finished tied at 25-under par:

• Nelly Korda & Denny McCarthy: World No. 1 Korda and putting wizard McCarthy made a strong Sunday push. McCarthy's flat stick was hot early, but they couldn't quite close the gap on the leaders.
• Jennifer Kupcho & Chris Gotterup: A dynamic pairing that lit up the scoreboard all week. Gotterup's power off the tee complemented Kupcho's precision iron play perfectly.
• Charley Hull & Michael Brennan: The English star and the young talent proved to be a formidable duo, with Hull's aggressive style meshing well with Brennan's steady hand.

Novak's breakout Season

For Andrew Novak, this win marks his second team title of the 2025 season, further solidifying his reputation as a premier partner in team formats. Coming off a strong showing in the fall series, Novak is positioning himself as a dark horse candidate for future Presidents Cup consideration. His ability to make birdies in bunches—and his proven track record in team play—is a metric that analytics-driven captains like Brandt Snedeker surely notice.

The Future of Mixed Golf

The success of the 2025 Grant Thornton Invitational sends a clear message: fans want more mixed events. The ratings for the weekend were up 15% from the previous year, driven by the compelling storylines and the high quality of play. As the tours continue to collaborate, events like this may pave the way for a mixed major or a Ryder/Solheim Cup style crossover in the future.