UCLA Alums Knapp and Tavatanakit Lead Grant Thornton invitational
Table of Contents
NAPLES, Fla. – The Grant Thornton Invitational teed off wiht a bang, as UCLA alumni Jake Knapp and Patty Tavatanakit stormed to the top of the leaderboard after a breathtaking first round at the prestigious Tiburon Golf Club. Their 14-under-par 58, achieved through a flawless front nine of birdies and a closing eagle-birdie finish, gave them a one-stroke advantage.
This year marks the second edition of the mixed-team tournament, featuring 16 two-player teams from the PGA and LPGA Tours. The unique format adds a thrilling dynamic to the competition, pairing men and women golfers in a test of skill and strategy.
Hot on their heels are Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners, a Canadian duo who carded a 13-under 59. Their impressive round included two late eagles, narrowly missing a birdie on the 18th to tie with Akshay Bhatia and Jennifer Kupcho.
Knapp and Tavatanakit’s success isn’t just a matter of individual talent; their shared UCLA history fosters a strong team dynamic. Their team name, “Rocco,” is a nod to Knapp’s past as a bouncer and the popular Westwood hangout, Rocco’s tavern, a favorite among UCLA students.
“Realy chill,” Tavatanakit described the day.“I feel like everything was going the way we hoped for. The timing, momentum-building moments were pretty good. We just kept on playing.”
Their astonishing start, featuring nine consecutive birdies, slightly cooled on the back nine. However,Knapp’s impressive approach shot on the par-5 17th set up an eagle,and Tavatanakit sealed their lead with a clutch birdie putt on the 18th.
“I knew 9 under wasn’t going to be a bad score after nine holes,” Knapp commented. “But a couple of pars to start off the back nine it was like, ‘OK, let’s make sure we try to keep giving ourselves opportunities.’ And to be able to finish eagle-birdie, that’s always pretty nice.”
Both players bring impressive credentials to the tournament. Knapp secured his first PGA Tour victory at the Mexico Open, while Tavatanakit, a rookie at the time, claimed her first major title at the ANA Inspiration.
Other notable performances include Maja Stark and J.T. Poston, and Sahith Theegala and Allisen Corpuz, both teams shooting a 61.Defending champions Lydia Ko and Jason Day finished with a 62, alongside Jeeno Thitikul and Tom Kim. A rare bogey on the third hole slightly hampered Ko and Day’s progress in the scramble format.
It’s worth noting that Thitikul recently triumphed at the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon, securing the $4 million top prize – the largest in women’s golf history.
The competition shifts to the foursomes format on Saturday, a more challenging setup where only one ball is in play, and teammates alternate shots. This change promises a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
UCLA Alums Make a Splash at Grant Thornton Invitational
The second edition of the Grant Thornton Invitational is underway in Naples, Florida, and a dynamic duo with UCLA roots is already making waves. Alumni Jake Knapp and Patty Tavatanakit fired a blistering 14-under-par 58 in the opening round, leading the mixed-team tournament at the prestigious Tiburon Golf Club.
A Dominant Debut
Senior editor: Joining us today is renowned golf analyst, Andrea Jensen, to break down this thrilling start at the Grant Thornton Invitational. Andrea, what are your thoughts on Knapp and Tavatanakit’s impressive opening round?
Andrea Jensen: Well, it was truly a sight to behold!
Their front nine was flawless, nine consecutive birdies! You just don’t see that frequently enough in professional golf. And to close with an eagle-birdie finish, that’s just putting an exclamation point on an outstanding performance.it announces their presence as serious contenders right from the start.
The UCLA Connection
Senior Editor: It’s fascinating to see two UCLA alumni excel so strongly together. Are there any particular advantages they might have from their shared background?
Andrea Jensen: Absolutely. There’s a synergy built when you come from the same program. They likely have similar training experiences, understand each other’s games, and can communicate effectively on the course. Plus, naming their team ”Rocco,” after a popular UCLA hangout, shows a strong bond and a bit of fun-loving spirit.
The Format challenge
Senior Editor: The Grant Thornton Invitational’s unique mixed-team format adds another layer of challenge. How important is it for these duos to adapt and play effectively together?
Andrea Jensen: It’s crucial. The scramble format on the first day favored aggressive play, but things will get even more intriguing with the foursomes format on Saturday. Only one ball is in play, and teammates alternate shots. That requires immense trust and understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
looking Ahead
Senior Editor: Who are some other teams to watch out for as the tournament progresses?
Andrea jensen: Definitely keep an eye on Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners. Their late-round surge was impressive, and they’re a very strong team. Maja Stark and JT Poston, and Sahith Theegala and Allisen Corpuz also put in excellent performances on day one.
this tournament is wide open, and I expect some intense battles down the stretch.
