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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

“So having the comfort of people around you kind of puts you at ease in a good mental state.” With the help of the team, the journey has been a lot easier for the world No.1, Nelly Korda. Performing exceptionally on the course, she has shared credits with a strong support team. She with her long professional journey, has kept her team small but constant. Be it her caddie or her coach.

Recently, during the press conference, she shared about Caddie and their 8th year together. Similarly, Korda’s coach has been with her since the age of 14. The long-term partnership with like-minded people has resulted in exemplary performance for her. So, her is everything about Korda’s team.

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Who is Nelly Korda’s Caddie?

The golfer, who turned professional in 2016 on the Symetra Tour (now Epson), then, joined the LPGA Tour in 2018. But it wasn’t just the tour change in 2018; as she also joined hands with a new caddie. The American professional, paired with Jason McDede. Since the beginning, the duo has been on the roll with performance and career achievements. Korda won 15 events in the LPGA Tour, including two majors Chevron Championship and the Women’s PGA Championship. Additionally, she has 3 victories in the Ladies European Tour too.

Florida’s Jason McDede, husband of LPGA pro Caroline Masson, has been in the loop for 15 years. After working as an assistant pro at TPC Potomac and a short stop as a head pro at Dick’s Sporting Goods, he knew the fairways were his calling.

McDede also worked with LPGA Tour’s Anna Nordqvist and Haru Nomura in 2016. But the partnership that has been delivering results is still constant. Apart from the significant result, Korda praised him ahead of her appearance at the Ford Championship press conference. She said, “I’m so grateful for Jason. He’s one my best friends. He’s like my big brother. I’m just grateful for the ride that we’ve been on because there have been a lot of ups and downs. The most important thing is that like he’s stuck with me through it all. He shows up when I’m down, no matter what, and he’s a great teammate.” There have been many instances where McDede has helped her stay centered during the pressure situation and the results are clear.

 

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Other than her support system on the course, there is a lot that goes around in practice and how Nelly Korda prepares herself for the events. The credit for this goes to her coaches and physio.

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Nelly Korda’s off-site team

The performance that the golf world witnesses from Korda is a mix of her hard work, lessons, and skill set. The credit for this goes to her coaching staff. She has been associated with David Whelan since the age of 14. While sharing about Whelan, she said, “I wouldn’t be where I am without him. He holds a special place in my heart.” The training is still constant. However, in 2021, the duo split for a short time, but they began working together and are working toward greater results in her career.

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Along with him, Jason Baile, Jamie Mulligan, and Eric Lederer (putting coach) have also helped Korda improve her game. Since 2021, there has been constant support from her newly appointed coach, Jamie Mulligan. The longtime professional at Virginia Country Club in Long Beach, California, joined hands with the golfer when she needed the most. Despite having a breakout season, she wanted to improve, and after her fourth appearance, she added a new member to the team.

Praising the coach, she added, “I thought about a couple coaches and I liked his demeanour. I like the way he’s super positive. I think we’ve just clicked kind of since the first day, and I really enjoy being around him.” Jessica Korda introduced the friend of Patrick Cantlay to her. Since then, the great bond has helped her become the leader of the sport. But, the duo parted ways because of a time management issue in 2023.

After that, she paired with Baile, director of instruction at Jupiter Hills Club in Florida. Korda’s crew plays a vital role in her success, with coaches and caddie guiding her game. Equally crucial is physio Kim Baughman, who helps maintain her fitness and injury prevention. Baughman was instrumental in Korda’s recovery from her neck injury, ensuring she stayed strong and tournament-ready.

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There are long-term partnerships but one of them comes first in that list. Nelly Korda was born into a family of champions. Her father, Petr Korda, won the 1998 Australian Open, while her mother, Regina, was a pro on the court too. Then, her sister, Jessica, is a fellow LPGA star, and her brother, Sebastian, is making his name in pro tennis. With that pedigree, it’s no surprise Nelly’s swinging for greatness.

The golf world, once unaware of the golfer, now appreciates the certainty Korda has brought to the game with her dedicated support system. What are your thoughts on Nelly Korda’s expert team? Let us know in the comments below.

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