The first Grant Thornton Invitational, the new mixed team event the players are raving about, was won by Lydia Ko and Jason Day
It may not have been quite the final thrilling round we would have hoped for but it's still safe to say that the Grant Thornton Invitational was a great success.
The mixed team event saw 16 players from the LPGA and 16 from the PGA Tour team up for the first time since 1999. Heading into the final day it was the New Zealand and Australian pairing of Lydia Ko and Jason Day who held a two shot lead over the rest of the field on 20-under-par.
The former World Number Ones were able to hold onto their lead for most of the day, losing it only briefly when the Canadian pairing of Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners eagled the ninth hole, with Conners holing out from the fairway.
A bridie from Day on the 12th hole was enough to put them back into the lead and although the Canadian pair drew level again, a sublime approach shot on 17 from Ko, with Day commenting "That is so nice," was enough for birdie and a par of 18 sealed the victory.
Final Round Highlights - Grant Thornton Invitational
All week, the players have been emphasising the fact that the event is bigger than the prize on offer and something that they would all like to see more of.
Ko reiterated this in her post final round press conference:
"This week I think every player that's here, whether it's the PGA TOUR player or LPGA player, I think we're here for more than just the prize money and winning. It's about the growth of the game.
"It's great that we got to win on top of that, but I think with the help of Grant Thornton, this is, I think, a start for so many more exciting things to come, and I'm excited to be a part of this partnership.
"It's been an unreal experience to play alongside Jason. I was nervous, but I kind of wanted to make him proud, as well, and to be able to hit a good shot on 17 kind of took the weight off my shoulders a little bit.
"It's just been so much fun."
With Day adding:
"I think Lydia kind of nailed it on the head before in regards to growing the game. I don't think I've seen so many female junior golfers out at an event, especially a PGA TOUR event, as I did see them this week.
"This is something that I think we have to keep striving towards. To have the partnership between the two tours and to have the tournament going on, and the way that Grant Thornton put the show on, I think they really, really nailed it this week.
"I know that Lydia has talked about growing the game, and you can just see how many young kids are out there watching the game, which is fantastic.
"Obviously, people at home, as well. This has been exciting for us to get together and play, and I know that I'm definitely going to be back next year. I'm hoping that Lydia has me as a partner, as well.
"This is something that we can look forward to each and every year, and I hope we keep this going for as long as we can."
We have to agree with all the players, the Grant Thronton Invitational has been good for golf and long may it continue.
View the full final leaderboard here.