Coughlin and Novak Lead Grant Thornton Invitational After Bunker Eagle

Lauren Coughlin and Andrew Novak take the lead into Sunday at the Grant Thornton Invitational after a spectacular eagle on hole 17.

Day two of the Grant Thornton Invitational delivered plenty of excitement, especially from leaders Lauren Coughlin and Andrew Novak. Coughlin holed out from a bunker on the 17th for a stunning eagle that propelled the duo into the lead. They carded a strong 4-under-par 68 in the foursomes format, giving them a one-shot advantage heading into the final round. With a total score of 19-under-par, they were tied with Charley Hull and Michael Brennan until Hull three-putted the final hole, missing a short putt just outside three feet. Hull and Brennan finished with a 71.

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Novak and Coughlin Lead Despite Double Bogey at PGA and LPGA Tour Event

Andrew Novak and Lauren Coughlin put on a show Saturday. After a quiet front nine with just one birdie on hole 7, they picked up the pace on the back nine. Birdies on holes 12 and 13 were followed by a double bogey on the challenging 14th, briefly setting them back. But Novak, who thrives in team formats, responded with a birdie on 15 before Coughlin’s brilliant eagle on 17. For Novak, this is another shot at a team title this year, having already won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with Ben Griffin. The Grant Thornton Invitational is the only mixed-team event on tour.

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Final Round Format and Player Reactions

The final round will be played in a modified four-ball format. Each player tees off, then they switch balls and play the rest of the hole with their partner’s ball, counting the lower score. “Four birdies and an eagle — that’s really solid for alternate shot,” Novak said. He remained calm when asked about his desire to add the Grant Thornton title to his Zurich Classic win. “Some call it the modern Grand Slam — Zurich, Grant Thornton,” Novak joked. “Of course, I’ll be thinking a bit about my legacy tomorrow.” Hull, meanwhile, is comfortable chasing. “Sure, it would’ve been nice to go into the final round with the lead,” she said. “But we can still make plenty of birdies tomorrow.”