Knapp and Tavatanakit Lead Grant Thornton Invitational

UCLA alumni Jake Knapp and Patty Tavatanakit took an early lead in the Grant Thornton Invitational with a 14-under-par 58 during the opening round, thanks to nine consecutive birdies and a finishing eagle-birdie. The tournament, featuring mixed teams from the PGA and LPGA Tours, is held at the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. Knapp and Tavatanakit's performance placed them one shot ahead of two teams tied for second: Jennifer Kupcho with Akshay Bhatia, and Brooke Henderson with Corey Conners, both of whom scored 59. The event, which spans three rounds and offers a $4 million purse, employs different formats for each round, with the scramble format used on the first day. Knapp and Tavatanakit's connection as former UCLA Bruins added to their synergy on the course. Defending champions Lydia Ko and Jason Day finished their round in a tie for sixth place after encountering a bogey on the third hole.