Nelly Korda’s Stanley 1913 Deal Brings Both Buzz and Banter
Nelly Korda recently announced a new partnership with Stanley 1913, the renowned food and beverage gear brand, via an Instagram post. Dressed casually in a grey T-shirt, blue shorts, and white sneakers, she captioned the post, “Game recognizes game—a partnership built for life. Welcome to the team, Nelly.” This collaboration adds to her growing list of endorsements, following her January 2023 partnership with TaylorMade. However, this latest deal sparked unexpected chatter—not about her brand power, but about how it might affect someone very close to her: her caddie, Jason McDede.
On a recent episode of the The Mixed Bag podcast, LPGA analyst Matthew Galloway weighed in on the new partnership. He found the deal intriguing, pointing out Stanley’s popularity, especially with moms and kids, thanks to their iconic tumblers. Galloway joked that Korda’s caddie might be the real one facing a challenge, saying, “Poor Jason… those things are not light.” He imagined McDede having to carry bulky Stanley bottles in Korda’s golf bag and wrapped up with a playful “prayers out for Jason.” His co-host responded with a chuckle, noting, “He’ll be fine. He’s a big boy.”
Despite the light-hearted concerns, McDede should manage well, especially considering that 70-year-old caddie Jesse “Gray” Moore recently filled in at the 2024 Masters for Tommy Fleetwood, whose regular caddie was recovering. Moore’s deep knowledge of Augusta National helped Fleetwood finish tied for third, proving that even seasoned veterans can rise to the challenge.
Galloway further emphasized the broader significance of Korda’s new deal. He appreciated how it brings her brand to a wider audience beyond traditional golf fans. This move could help address a known issue Korda has previously voiced—concerns over the LPGA’s limited viewership. Tapping into a mainstream brand like Stanley offers the chance to boost her visibility outside the golf world.
Still, if carrying Stanley bottles adds weight to the bag, fans can rest assured that Korda would acknowledge McDede’s extra effort. She has a long-standing and heartfelt appreciation for her caddie. Their professional journey began in 2018 after a recommendation from Korda’s sister’s former caddie, Kyle. Since then, McDede has been an essential part of her success, helping her secure 15 LPGA Tour titles, three Ladies European Tour wins, and even an Olympic gold medal.
Korda consistently praises McDede’s contributions, highlighting how his support on and off the course has helped her thrive. After winning the Chevron Championship, she openly credited him for his unwavering encouragement. Their bond goes beyond just player and caddie—McDede, who is married to fellow LPGA golfer Caroline Masson, is also considered one of Korda’s closest friends. Even when he took a short break in 2023 to focus on his family, their partnership remained rock solid.
In summary, while Nelly Korda’s Stanley 1913 partnership has sparked lighthearted jokes about heavier golf bags, it represents a strategic move to expand her reach beyond golf circles. And with McDede by her side, both professionally and personally, she’s well-equipped to handle whatever comes next—be it a new endorsement or another title.