This is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus to use an image from my favorite sport, golf. Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all my professional positions, including as press secretary in Washington, D.C. for a Democrat Congressman from Oregon (Les AuCoin), as an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, as press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and as a private sector lobbyist. This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write. I could have called this blog “Middle Ground,” for that is what I long for in both politics and golf. The middle ground is often where the best public policy decisions lie. And it is where you want to be on a golf course.
Based on the last few weeks on the men’s and women’s professional golf tours, this blog headline states the obvious.
So, who is best – Scottie Scheffler or Nelly Korda?
For me, the best answer is both.
Each of these to top pro golfers has done something special over the last few weeks. No need to pick one over the other.
Here is a quick summary, according to information compiled by The Athletic, published by the New York Times:
- In their last 10 starts, Scheffler and Korda have beaten 1,163 golfers — if you rely on entry lists for the PGA and LPGA Tours.
- For Korda, it’s the first time anyone has won five straight starts since Annika Sorenstam performed the feat in 2004 and 2005.
- Scheffler’s run is the just fifth streak of being first or second in five straight tournaments over the last 30 years – and, in the one where he finished second, he almost won it, too.
- Scheffler also is the first golfer since Bernhard Langer to follow-up a Master’s win with another win at the next tournament — the Heritage Classic at Hilton Head.
- Just think of this – in the last 42 days, Scheffler has earned more than $16 million.
- I don’t mean to leave Korda out of this; it’s just that the women’s tour has a ways to go to catch up with money on the PGA Tour.
- And, one final interesting stat: Scheffler’s caddy, Ted Scott, has earned more money carrying Scheffler’s bag over the last few weeks than almost any PGA player, including Rory McIlroy.
Achievements by Scheffler and Korda are just the latest step in a never-ending debate about the best pro golfers.
On the men’s side, two usually are mentioned – Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Sometimes Arnold Palmer joins that twosome. And, while it is early, TV commentators say Scheffler is on his way to becoming part of the conversation. He’ll have to continue performing over a few more years to win that accolade.
On the women’s side, again two usually are mentioned – Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez. Others sometimes join the list. And Korda could be named, as well, if she continues playing top-level golf.
Frankly, I often tire of such debates about who is best, if, for no other reason, than that it is subjective, not objective.
I say mention all of the great players, then relish their accomplishments. Enjoy golf as it was meant to be played.
Of course, none of us as amateurs will reach their level of pro greatness.
So what? Fun to watch!
Perspective from the 19th Hole 