Nelly Korda and her father, Petr, know what to expect from each other as they plan to compete in the PNC Championship for the fourth time this week in Orlando.
But one thing Kordas has never done before is play with 1992 Masters champion Fred Couples. Couples will play with his stepson Hunter Hanneman for the first time this week.
Tournament officials then decided to put Team Korda and Team Couple together in the first round on Saturday.
“Personally, I'm really looking forward to playing with Fred Couples. I'm so sorry, Dad,” Nellie said.
“That's the highlight of my week right now.”
Korda had never met Couples until Friday's pro-am.
“I’ve seen his swing,” Korda added.
“I saw him in person for the first time this morning on the practice field and it's going to be really good to see that tempo all day long.”
Couples has long had one of the smoothest swings in golf. Fans, fellow players, and the media have been fawning over this for decades, often saying all golfers should emulate his type of swing. However, he has struggled with back issues in recent years, which explains why he has six woods in his bag this week. Still, Couples hasn't lost his nice, easy-going tempo and is excited to get back to competitive play this week.
He is also excited to play alongside Kordas.
“We're really excited [playing with the Kordas] Because Hunter and I will be on the same teeing ground as Nellie,” the couple said.
“Let's both calm down a little and have some fun.”
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through. Follow him on X @jack_milko.
