Tony Finau and Nelly Korda are the perfect pair for the Grant Thornton Invitational this week. Their mutual respect and admiration as professional athletes is evident.
They sat down with the media on Wednesday ahead of the 54-hole event at Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Fla.
This week, the men of the PGA Tour will have the unique opportunity to play alongside the talented women of the LPGA Tour, giving them a firsthand look at their skill and talent.
Finau and Korda’s bond was immediate, and Finau expressed his gratitude for the chance to play alongside her.
“I’ve always been a big admirer of Nelly and her game. Watching her over the years, I’ve always appreciated her skill. After playing nine holes yesterday, I was even more impressed with her game up close,” Finau said.
He then took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of paying attention to women’s golf.
“Nelly is someone who I look up to, despite her being younger than me. She’s an exceptional golfer and has been the No. 1 player in the world in the women’s game. There is a lot that we, as male players, can learn from her,” Finau said.
Finau is always eager to learn and improve. Being a Utah native, he values the opportunity to learn from someone with a background in Florida courses.
“I’ll be looking to pick up a few tips. She’s an incredible chipper on Bermuda grass, growing up in Florida,” he said. “I didn’t grow up on Bermuda, so I’m always trying to get little tips on how to chip around these greens. She’s as good a chipper as you’ll see on Bermuda… I already picked up a few things watching her.”
It’s truly incredible and important to see the No. 21 player on the men’s side speak so highly of Korda. His words and actions are a step in the right direction for women’s golf.
This event will provide a platform for the world to witness the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour come together, showcasing the talent and skill of both sides and helping to grow the game.
“The collaboration between the men’s and women’s tours is monumental for our game. Having some of the best players on both tours competing together is unprecedented,” Finau said. “There’s going to be a lot of great interest in this event moving forward. Being involved in the inaugural Grant Thornton Invitational is cool — having Nelly as a partner is a great bonus.”
Finau and Korda are the favorites to win this week,