Imagine sinking a birdie putt under pressure, knowing it could seal a major victory. That’s exactly what Andrew Novak and Lauren Coughlin did to clinch the Grant Thornton Invitational, marking Novak’s second team title this year. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Novak on the brink of a ‘modern-day Grand Slam’ with his mixed-team wins? Let’s dive in.
In a thrilling showdown at Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, Novak and Coughlin delivered a masterful performance, carding a 9-under 63 in the Modified Four-ball format. Their victory wasn’t just about skill—it was about timing. On the par-5 17th, while rivals Chris Gotterup and Jennifer Kupcho struggled to save par, Novak coolly drained a six-foot birdie putt, giving the duo a decisive two-shot lead heading into the final hole. Coughlin’s clutch birdie putt not only secured the win but also set a tournament record of 28-under 188. And this is the part most people miss: In Modified Four-ball, both players tee off, but then switch balls for the remainder of the hole—a format that demands precision and adaptability.
Finishing three shots ahead of Gotterup/Kupcho, Denny McCarthy/Nelly Korda, and Michael Brennan/Charley Hull, Novak and Coughlin showcased their chemistry and consistency. For Novak, this win follows his earlier triumph at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with Ben Griffin, the PGA TOUR’s only team event. Jokingly, he called this mixed-team victory the ‘modern-day Grand Slam,’ a bold claim that’s sure to spark debate. Is he stretching the definition, or is he onto something?
Novak admitted he didn’t fully grasp how tight the competition was until the 13th green, where he realized their slim one-shot lead. ‘We had more holes than anyone else,’ he said, emphasizing their birdie opportunities. His streak of three consecutive birdies on the 13th, 14th, and 15th holes, capped by the clincher on the 17th, sealed the deal. Meanwhile, Korda’s missed 10-foot birdie on the 18th left her team just shy of second place—a reminder of how small margins decide big wins.
The victory earned Novak and Coughlin $500,000 each, a career-high payout for Coughlin, who won twice on the LPGA last year. As for Korda, she’ll get one more shot at a win this year, teaming with her father at the PNC Championship next week.
Here’s the thought-provoking question: With Novak’s back-to-back team wins, is he redefining what it means to dominate in golf’s team formats? Or is the ‘Grand Slam’ comparison a stretch? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s just teeing off!
