Patty, Knapp have fun to widen lead at unique event

MIAMI - Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand and Jake Knapp recorded seven birdies to extend their lead during windy and wet conditions at the Grant Thornton Invitational on Dec. 14 at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida.

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The mixed team event featuring PGA and LPGA Tour stars employs three different formats over three rounds.

In the foursomes format on Day 2, when the players alternate teeing off and then hitting alternate shots with the same ball, Patty and Knapp started with birdies on two of their first three holes in putting together a six-under 66, good enough to double their one-shot lead from the opening round.

The pair are finding a rare synergy so far, and that stems from similar approaches to playing golf.

"It's kind of fun that we both have similar strategies or similar issues on some courses and stuff like that," American Knapp said. "I feel like we just see eye to eye on a lot of different things."