Rickie Fowler gets Lexi Thompson as new partner for mixed event at Grant Thornton Invitational

Last February, 30-year-old Jessica Korda had committed to teaming up with Rickie Fowler for the event. However, in a delightful twist to her life, she revealed in August that she and her husband, Johnny DelPrete, were expecting their first child, with a due date in February. Given the impending arrival of their baby, Korda has made the tough but understandable decision to withdraw from the Grant Thornton Invitational.

Stepping into Korda’s shoes as Fowler’s new partner is none other than Lexi Thompson, a remarkable figure in the world of golf. Lexi Thompson boasts an impressive 11 victories on the LPGA Tour, solidifying her position as one of the sport’s elite players. Her inclusion in the event adds an exciting dynamic to the mix, making Fowler and Thompson a team to watch closely.

The Grant Thornton Invitational is set to introduce a unique format to the world of professional golf. This event, which has replaced the QBE Shootout, will feature three distinct playing formats: scramble, foursome, and modified four-ball. This diversity in play promises an engaging and thrilling experience for both participants and spectators alike.

Fowler and Thompson’s partnership marks the fourth team pairing to be confirmed for the Grant Thornton Invitational. They join other notable duos such as Nelly Korda and Tony Finau, Sahith Theegala and Rose Zhang, as well as Canadian golfers Corey Conners and Brooke Henderson. With such a star-studded lineup, the competition is bound to be fierce, and fans can expect nothing short of exceptional golfing prowess on display.

Notably, Lexi Thompson has a history of breaking barriers in golf. In the 2022 QBE Shootout, she joined forces with Nelly Korda to become the only women competing in the event. Korda and Thompson’s performance was commendable, with Korda finishing tied for fifth alongside her partner, Denny McCarthy. Thompson and Maverick McNealy secured a respectable tenth-place finish, showcasing the women’s competitive spirit in the sport.

Theegala and Hoge’s impressive victory in last year’s QBE Shootout added another layer of excitement to the mixed-team format. They managed to overcome a two-stroke deficit in the final round to triumph over Ryan Palmer and Charley Hoffman, exemplifying the unpredictable and thrilling nature of these events.