After holding off Scottie Scheffler, German pro Stephan Jaeger admitted that it felt nice “to slay the dragon.” But for him, the best memories were being paired with the current world No. 1. “He’s such a good dude, such a good player, I was just happy to play with him for a couple of days.” Compliments like these from his peers and competitors are not uncommon for Scottie Scheffler. In fact, Nelly Korda, the world No. 1 on the female circuit, was also astonished by his simplicity and earnestness.

The TaylorMade Christmas shoot provided her the opportunity to meet Scheffler. An encounter the Florida resident cherished. Korda heard the rumors of Scheffler’s ‘relentless’ politeness. But she was still struck by the eight-time PGA Tour winner’s graceful demeanor. 

Korda shares first impression of Scottie Scheffler

The Rolex world No. 1 was acquainted with everyone else even before the Christmas shoot. Except Scottie Scheffler. She had heard about the tall, burly Texas man and watched him dominate on the course. And also heard the whispers that Scheffler, no matter how fierce he might be on the course, was a rather ‘mellow’ guy off the course. 

In fact, gentleness is what drew Scheffler’s wife, Meredith, close to him at college. Was it true? Asked her sister, Jessica Korda, after the 25-year-old returned from the shoot. Korda could only smile and gush over the 27-year-old.

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“He’s super nice. My sister was like ‘So is he as nice as everyone says,’ and I said, ‘He’s extremely nice. He’s as nice as everyone says.’” Korda said with gentle laughter. In fact, the LPGA Tour’s world No. 1 was not the only one to be impressed. There was some backlash that Scheffler played boring golf. But Max Homa said that any golfer with the dream of making it to the top would dream of playing with such ‘boring’ consistency. 

Interestingly, Korda, too, has been showing that ‘banal’ consistency on the course and even surged ahead of the PGA Tour’s No. 1 a little bit. This Sunday both Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda were in contention at their respective Tours. Interestingly, both were also at the doorsteps of a rare feat.

Nelly Korda did what Scheffler Couldn’t

A victory for Scheffler at the Texas Children’s Houston Open would’ve made him the first player to win three back-to-back titles in the PGA Tour since Dustin Johnson in 2017. For Korda, it was more far-reaching. On the other hand, Korda would’ve become the only player since Ariya Jutanugarn to win three back-to-back titles since 26. Furthermore, the 25-year-old could’ve been the first American to win three times before April since JoAnne Carner in 1980, and the first player to do so since Yani Tseng in 2012.

Scheffler, however, misread his putt that could’ve forced a playoff with Stephan Jaeger and squandered the opportunity. Whereas, Korda made two birdies in her final three holes to seal her 11th silverware and third straight win this season. Both will head to the first Major of the season next month as overwhelming favorites. 

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