World No. 2 Nelly Korda says the secret to strong team performances is simple: don’t apologise. She makes that point as she pairs with Denny McCarthy for the Grant Thornton Invitational, a mixed PGA-LPGA team event being shown live on Sky Sports Golf.
First held in 2023, the tournament uses three distinct formats across three days: Friday’s scramble, Saturday’s foursomes (alternate shot) and Sunday’s modified four-ball. In the modified four-ball both players tee off, swap balls for their second shots, then play the preferred ball until it’s holed.
Korda says events like this help grow golf by bringing men and women together to support and learn from each other while enjoying a different kind of competition. Her on-course approach in pairs is to accept that everyone will hit good and bad shots and to back your partner rather than dwelling on mistakes. Instead of saying sorry, she favours encouragement — keeping spirits up and trusting your teammate to respond.
McCarthy echoed that view, calling the week a chance to have fun while negotiating tricky formats and helping one another recover from errors. He recalled teaming with Korda three years ago and noted the lasting friendships that developed — even their caddies stayed in touch and are back together this week. McCarthy praised Korda’s ball-striking, temperament and short game, and said he still uses short-game ideas he picked up from her.
Watch the 2025 Grant Thornton Invitational live on Sky Sports Golf from 6pm on Friday. Sky Sports has extended coverage rights to the DP World Tour and Ryder Cup through 2029 and the US Open and US Women’s Open through 2030; streaming options are also available for viewers without Sky.