Your Three-Day Guide to the Grant Thornton Invitational

With more than 90 stay-and-play and public courses in the area and three professional golf tournaments played in Naples every year, Florida’s Paradise Coast is a dream come true for anyone who loves the game of golf. And each December, visitors have the opportunity to attend one of the sport's most distinctive events.

The Grant Thornton Invitational takes place at the iconic Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, pairing PGA TOUR and LPGA players in a unique co-ed team competition, 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 the Golf Channel, it also benefits a variety of charitable organizations. The 2026 dates are December 7-13.

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 see what makes Florida's Paradise Coast special during one of the most enjoyable times of the year to visit.

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.

Let’s begin with the fact that you’re fortunate enough to be visiting Southwest Florida during stone crab season. If you’re ready to crack into the freshest claws, Truluck's is one of Naples' most well-known options, serving claws that go from trap to table in less than 24 hours. The Claw Bar at Bellasera Resort is another strong choice, pairing stone crab and seafood towers with a lively dining room. For a classic local seafood experience, Kelly's Fish House has been serving Gulf catches along the Gordon River for decades.

Looking beyond seafood? Naples also offers an impressive collection of fine dining restaurants. Settle in for Persian specialties at Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro, enjoy Italian steak and pasta at Tulia Italian Steak, or spend an evening at Chops City Grill for a classic seafood, steak, and cocktail experience.

Day Two: Get Out, Explore & Have Fun

You've spent the morning watching some of the world's best golfers navigate Tiburón's Gold Course. Why not tee it up yourself?

With more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the country, Florida's Paradise Coast gives visitors plenty of opportunities to trade spectator badges for scorecards. Spend an afternoon chasing birdies of your own, then compare notes over dinner about the shots you watched earlier in the day. After all, few things make golfers want to play more than watching PGA TOUR and LPGA professionals up close.

If you'd rather venture beyond the fairways, Naples offers plenty of ways to fill the rest of the afternoon. Wander through The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples, where contemporary works share space with traveling exhibitions, or get a glimpse of wild Florida at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

December also happens to be one of the most festive times of the year to visit. Along Third Street South, Christmas on Third events fill the district with live music, decorated storefronts, and thousands of lights. As evening approaches, visitors often gather to watch “snowfall”—an unexpected sight in Southwest Florida.

Of all the golf tournaments in Naples, visiting for the Grant Thornton Invitational offers a unique opportunity to combine golf and the holidays. If you’re staying at either of The Ritz-Carlton properties, you can expect special holiday events like markets, gingerbread house decorating classes, and a full display of decorations and lights.

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 only 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

The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, makes the perfect home base during the Grant Thornton Invitational, placing you within walking distance of the tournament throughout the week. Guests can also take advantage of complimentary shuttle service to The Ritz-Carlton, Naples on Vanderbilt Beach, providing access to another side of the destination between rounds.

Nonetheless, 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 2026 Grant Thornton Invitational, visit the tournament page and then start packing.