GOLF

‘Forda’ ahead by 1 on eagle-birdie finish

DAILY TRIBUNE · Dec 10, 2023, 12:02 AM

DOUGLAS DEFELICE/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE THE tandem of Tony Finau and Nelly Korda relies on a strong finish to take one-stroke lead after first round of Grant Thorton Invitational.

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.