Andrew Novak and Lauren Coughlin closed out the 2025 Grant Thornton Invitational on Sunday with a composed final round, securing the mixed-team title at Tiburón Golf Club and splitting the tournament’s $1 million winner’s prize. The duo entered the final round with momentum after a strong showing in Saturday’s alternate-shot format and carried that confidence into Sunday’s modified four-ball finish.
The victory marked a significant milestone for both players. For Coughlin, it was a statement performance on a national stage, while Novak added another team-event win to a growing resume that already includes success at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans earlier this year. Together, they navigated shifting leaderboard pressure and a crowded field to emerge on top in one of the most unique events on the professional golf calendar.
Back-Nine Birdie Run Seals It
Novak and Coughlin delivered a dominant closing performance Sunday, firing a 9-under 63 in the modified four-ball format to secure a three-shot victory.
The turning point came as pressure mounted from Chris Gotterup and Jennifer Kupcho, who remained Novak and Coughlin’s closest challengers deep into the round. Playing ahead of the leaders, Gotterup and Kupcho struggled at the par-5 17th, with both players missing the green and scrambling to save par.
Moments later, Novak capitalized . From six feet, he poured in a birdie putt that extended the lead to two shots heading to the final hole. Coughlin followed with a birdie of her own late, helping the team finish at 28-under 188, a tournament record.
Novak said he didn’t fully grasp how tight the race was until spotting the leaderboard on the 13th green. Even then, he knew their advantage lay in opportunity. “We had more holes than anyone else,” Novak said, referencing the birdie looks available down the stretch . He converted a 7-foot birdie on 13, followed by 10-footers on both 14 and 15, before the near-clinching putt on 17.
“Andrew putted really great today,” Coughlin said. “Made a lot of birdies for us. It was a lot of fun.”
Crowded Leaderboard Behind the Winners
Despite Novak and Coughlin pulling away, the leaderboard behind them remained congested until the final holes. Gotterup and Kupcho, Denny McCarthy and Nelly Korda , and Michael Brennan and Charley Hull all finished within striking distance, underscoring how quickly momentum can shift in the modified four-ball format.
Gotterup and Kupcho, along with McCarthy and Korda, each posted 63s, while Brennan and Hull closed with a 65. Korda had one final opportunity to apply pressure , but missed a 10-foot birdie putt on the 18th, a miss that would have at least secured second place outright for her team.
“I think right now we’re both a little frustrated just because we’re both very competitive and like to win,” McCarthy said. “We know we probably left some shots out there. … her game is phenomenal. I learned a lot three years ago, I continue to learn a lot from her playing with her the last three days. We just had a lot of fun.”
For Korda, the week is not over. She will have another chance at a title next week at the PNC Championship , where she is set to team with her father–one of the most anticipated pairings in the family-based event.
Novak Adds Another Team Victory
For Novak, the win continues a trend of success in collaborative formats. Earlier this season, he teamed with Ben Griffin to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans , the PGA Tour’s lone official team event. Adding the Grant Thornton Invitational title further reinforces his comfort and effectiveness in shared-pressure environments.
Novak joked after Sunday’s win that capturing both titles amounted to a “modern-day grand slam,” referencing the rarity of winning across different team formats that bridge the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour. His comfort in collaborative competition has become a defining strength, particularly in events that demand communication and trust.
A Breakthrough Moment for Coughlin
Coughlin’s performance throughout the week , particularly in key moments during the final two rounds, showcased confidence and composure. From precise approaches to clutch putts , Coughlin played a central role in the team’s success, earning her share of the spotlight in a mixed-field event designed to highlight collaboration rather than hierarchy.
“I had some pressure taken off of me coming down the stretch,” Novak said. “Lauren’s probably the single-most reliable golfer I’ve ever played with.”
Both Novak and Coughlin earned $500,000 for the win. For Coughlin, it marked the largest paycheck of her career, eclipsing previous victories on the LPGA Tour, where she won twice last season. The result not only delivered a financial milestone but also solidified her ability to perform on a mixed-tour stage under pressure.
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