Jack Milko, despite his lifelong passion for golf, has yet to record a hole-in-one, though he does boast an M.A. in Sports Journalism from St. Bonaventure University.
This week at the PNC Championship in Orlando, Nelly Korda and her father, Petr, are back for their fourth appearance in the event, and they are no strangers to the tournament’s format. However, what sets this year apart is that they will be playing alongside Fred Couples, the 1992 Masters champion, for the first time. Couples is competing with his stepson, Hunter Hanneman, which marks their first time pairing up in the competition.
The tournament organizers, keen on creating some compelling groupings, decided to put Team Korda and Team Couples together for the first round on Saturday. For Nelly, this pairing is a dream come true.
“I’m super excited to play with Fred Couples, personally, so sorry, Dad,” Nelly admitted. “That’s the highlight of my week right now.”
Although Nelly had never met Couples before Friday’s Pro-Am, she had long admired his swing from afar. “I’ve seen his swing,” she shared, adding that she met him in person for the first time that morning on the range. “Getting to see that tempo all day will be really nice,” she added, acknowledging the elegance and fluidity that has made Couples’ swing legendary.
For Couples, his swing has long been revered in the golf world, with many players, fans, and analysts praising its smoothness. Even though recent back issues have forced him to adjust his game, he still retains his signature tempo, and his equipment has adapted to these challenges — evidenced by the six woods he’s carrying in his bag this week. But the swing is still as graceful as ever.
Couples is equally thrilled to play alongside the Kordas. “We’re really excited about [playing with the Kordas] because Hunter and I will be on the same tees as Nelly,” he said. This pairing offers a unique dynamic, blending the Kordas’ rising star power with Couples’ experience and charm. It’s clear that all involved are looking forward to an unforgettable round at the PNC Championship.
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