$40m-worth pro gets candid about his and teammate Lexi Thompson’s game at the Grant Thornton Invitational

The 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational concluded with Jake Knapp and Patty Tavatanakit securing victory, outplaying a competitive field of PGA Tour and LPGA stars at the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. Among the standout participants were Rickie Fowler and Lexi Thompson, who embraced the unique challenge of the mixed-team format.

Despite finishing near the bottom of the leaderboard at 13-under after rounds of 63, 73, and 67, Fowler spoke candidly about the event. Reflecting on the competition during an episode of *The Smylie Show*, Fowler admitted that neither he nor Thompson brought their “A-game,” but still described the experience as a rewarding and enjoyable challenge. He commended the event’s distinctive format and the camaraderie it fostered, emphasizing how rare and exciting it was to compete alongside LPGA counterparts.

The 36-year-old golfer, worth an estimated $40 million, also had a special reason to celebrate during the tournament—his birthday. To mark the occasion, Thompson surprised Fowler with an orange-themed cake, a nod to his signature color, although the gusty winds blew out the candles before he could. The touching gesture underscored the spirit of collaboration and friendship inherent in the event.

Speaking afterward, Fowler praised Thompson’s performance, particularly during the first round, where he felt she carried the team. He expressed hope for more mixed-gender events in professional golf, noting their unique ability to blend competitive intensity with lighthearted interaction. This year’s Invitational marked a continuation of Fowler and Thompson’s participation in the trailblazing event, which continues to redefine golf’s boundaries and foster mutual respect between PGA and LPGA players.