“Game recognizes game- a partnership built for life. Welcome to the team, Nelly,” read Nelly Korda’s Instagram post announcing her partnership with Stanley 1913, a food and beverage gear brand, showcasing her casual style in a grey t-shirt, blue shorts, and white shoes. The deal marks another collaboration for Korda, who has also partnered with TaylorMade in January 2023, but surprisingly, this one spells out trouble for someone very close to Korda.
Speaking on the latest podcast episode of The Mixed Bag on Spotify, LPGA insider Matthew Galloway discussed Nelly Korda’s recent partnership with Stanley, the popular brand behind the viral Stanley Cup. “Yeah, I thought this was a kind of interesting one. Nelly signed a partnership with Stanley…the Stanley Cup that every mom I see in the pick up and drop off line at school, and a lot of the kids too are towing with their Stanley’s in tow.”
However, Galloway also joked about the potential impact on Korda’s caddie, Jason McDede. “I got to say though, that’s like poor Jason that those things are not light, those bottles. So I think she’s going to have some gigantic Stanley bottle in her bag way in the bag for Jason, the last thing he needs.” He concluded with a humorous remark, “So, but yeah, if you see Jason towing with the big bag, you know, prayers out for Jason there.” His co-host responded lightheartedly, “He’ll be fine. He’s a big boy.”
Well, yes, McDede should be fine handling a few Stanley bottles, considering how the oldest caddie on the Tour, 70-year-old Jesse “Gray” Moore, caddied at the 2024 Masters. Moore lent a hand to Tommy Fleetwood, whose regular caddie Ian Finnis was recovering from a chest infection back in Liverpool. Moore’s wealth of knowledge about Augusta National, gained from over 30 years around the course, was invaluable to Fleetwood, who finished T3 with a score of 4 under par.
Apr 21, 2024; The Woodlands, Texas, USA; Nelly Korda (USA) hugs her caddies after winning The Chevron Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Galloway noted that this partnership is a great opportunity for Korda to reach a non-golf audience, saying, “Nice to see a non-golf, a big brand that’s non-golf come in with Nelly and just kind of get her face and name out to a non-golf audience, right?” And well, it is nice to see golf growing through different mediums rather than just the sport, especially since Korda was already worried about the LPGA’s lack of viewership.
However, we hope you know that if McDede did face any issues with handling Korda’s new water bottles, the golfer will surely give him a shoutout for it because-
Nelly Korda never misses a chance to thank her caddie
Nelly Korda’s partnership with caddie Jason McDede has been a winning formula since 2018. The duo’s collaboration began when Korda’s sister’s old caddie, Kyle, introduced them. Kyle knew Korda was looking for a caddie for her second year on tour and recommended McDede. This introduction turned out to be a stroke of genius, as McDede has been instrumental in Korda’s success, helping her secure 15 LPGA Tour titles, three Ladies European Tour wins, and an Olympic gold medal.
Korda has frequently expressed her gratitude for McDede’s support. After her win at the Chevron Championship, she praised her caddie, saying, “I wouldn’t be able to do it without him because his encouragement on and off the golf course has been amazing.” McDede’s relationship with Korda extends beyond the golf course, as he is married to LPGA pro Caroline Masson, who has had her own share of successes on the tour. Despite occasional breaks, including one in 2023 when McDede took time off to focus on being a new dad, the partnership remains strong, with Korda referring to McDede as “one of my best friends” and “like my big brother.”
What are your thoughts on this amazing duo? Let us know in the comment section below!
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