Maximize Your Trip to the 2025 Grant Thornton Invitational

With more than 90 stay-and-play and public courses in the area and three professional golf played in Naples every year, Florida’s Paradise Coast is a dream come true for anyone who loves the game of golf. And as a special treat, they can attend an event as unique as it is celebrated.

From December 8th through the 14th, the Grant Thornton Invitational takes place at the iconic Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón. This unique co-ed event pairs men from the PGA TOUR with women from the LPGA, allowing them to compete together for equal prize money and shared glory. The tournament is contested over three rounds: 18 holes of Scramble, 18 holes of Foursomes (Alternate Shot) and 18 holes of Modified-Four-Ball. Covered live on NBC and Golf Channel, it also benefits a variety of charitable organizations.

Played on Tiburón Golf Club’s Gold Course, the Grant Thornton Invitational is a golf experience not to be missed. Additionally, it gives attendees the opportunity to experience more than just golf. After all, with so many things to do on the Paradise Coast, your fun won’t be limited to simply following your favorite pros around the tournament every day.

With that said, allow us to tempt you with just a three-day sampling of the area’s many treasures. But be warned: You might want to stay longer to experience even more of this incredible destination.

Day One: Let the Feasting Begin

We understand. You’re mesmerized by the action on the fairway, but it’s almost as if the reputation of the area’s famous cuisine is casting an inescapable spell. You’re not alone, considering how popular the Paradise Coast’s wide range of award-winning dining options has become. Whatever you crave, it’s within comfortable reach (but try not to do that across the table).

Let’s begin with the fact you’re fortunate enough to be visiting Southwest Florida during stone crab season. So if you’re ready to taste Florida’s freshest claws, City Seafood and Grimm’s Stone Crab invite you to loosen your pants and dig in. True Food Kitchen is another local favorite, featuring a rotating menu loaded with nutrient-rich ingredients. Or perhaps you’ve never tasted a steak quite like a Martin Fierro steak. There’s no better place in town to gorge on deliciously grilled meats while sipping South American merlot.

If ambiance parallels taste in importance, you can also dine with a view at a variety of waterfront restaurants. Are we making it a difficult choice? Not to worry, as you can always make your decision over cocktails at any of the area’s beloved beach bars. One thing is certain. Your taste buds will be thanking you all the way home.

Day Two: Get Out, Explore & Have Fun

Whether it’s arts and culture, outdoor adventures, shopping or family fun, the Paradise Coast has something for everyone. For example, one of the area’s many world-renowned museums is Artis–Naples, The Baker Museum. Emphasizing modern and contemporary art, it hosts several traveling exhibitions annually to complement its permanent collections.

Have we mentioned how pleasant December is in paradise? It’s the perfect time to get outside and fish the Ten Thousand Islands or get a glimpse of wild Florida at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. December is also holiday season, which means you can take part in the Third Street South Traditional Holiday Stroll or attend TheatreZone’s annual Home for the Holidays musical production. And of course, world-famous 5th Avenue South is a great place for getting into the spirit and shopping for loved ones.

Let’s not forget about what brought you to the Paradise Coast in the first place – golf. On any of these must-play golf courses in Naples, you can perfect your own game. Who knows, maybe you’ll be playing the Grant Thornton Invitational yourself someday!

Day Three: Sun, Sand & Sheer Tranquility

What’s a trip to the Paradise Coast without spending time on its world-renowned beaches? No matter which one you visit, you’ll step into your very own postcard and be far away from any worry.

Not far from the tournament, Vanderbilt Beach is loved by locals and visitors alike. Grab your spot early, because you’ll want to spend as much time as possible on these three miles of soft white sand. For a spot more untouched, Keewaydin Island is accessible by boat and gives you nearly eight miles of mostly undeveloped beach. It’s also the only pet-friendly beach in the area. Tigertail Beach provides an exquisite two-for-one: manicured shoreline with full amenities. And just across the lagoon, a wild, untamed space begs for exploration. Wherever you are, just head west. And whatever beach you land on will soothe you to no end.

Stay Like a Pro

While The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón makes the perfect homebase during the Grant Thornton Invitational, there are countless other places to stay and extend your visit. From boutique hotels and vacation rentals to magnificent resorts along the Gulf, it’s easy to turn your golf vacation into the ultimate getaway on Florida’s Paradise Coast.

For more information on the 2025 Grant Thornton Invitational, visit the tournament page and then start packing.