Stephan Jaeger

Stephan Jaeger's Early Life and Background

Stephan Jaeger's path to professional golf began in his hometown near Munich, Germany. Introduced to the sport at the young age of 10 by his golfing family, Jaeger wasn't just drawn to golf. He was a well-rounded athlete, participating in tennis, soccer, and street hockey throughout his childhood.

Jaeger enrolled at the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a place known for nurturing future PGA Tour winners like Harris English, Luke List, and Keith Mitchell. His commitment paid off as he went on to achieve collegiate success at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, racking up an impressive four wins.

Stephan Jaeger's Amateur Golf Career

As a High School Standout at Baylor School, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Jaeger didn't just move to the US, he specifically chose the Baylor School, known for its pipeline of PGA Tour winners.

Jaeger secured four impressive wins during his collegiate career, including the 2011 LSU National Invitational and the 2012 SoCon Championship. Notably, his win at the SoCon Championship marked him as the second Moc golfer to achieve this feat since 1978.

During his senior year at UTC, he maintained Dean's List status while leading the squad in par four and par five scoring. He even carded a school-record 13-under par 203 at the NCAA Bowling Green Regional, beating out golfers ranked in the top 20 of the R&A World Amateur Golf Rankings, including the then-No. 1 Patrick Cantlay of UCLA.

Jaeger was named to the 2012 Ben Hogan Award Watch List and earned a spot on Golf World's Preseason Top 50 Players to Watch list in 2011-12. Additionally, he secured a coveted spot as a three-time Southern Conference Player of the Year (2010, 2011, 2012) and a four-time PING All-East Region and All-SoCon selection.

Stephan Jaeger's Professional Career

After a decorated amateur career, Jaeger began his professional journey in 2012. He joined the Korn Ferry Tour in 2013, a developmental tour for the PGA Tour.

Jaeger's breakthrough year came in 2016. He secured his first professional title at the Ellie Mae Classic with a record-setting score. His 72-hole total of 250 (30-under par) included a historic first-round 58 - the first ever recorded on the Web.com Tour, PGA Tour Latinoamerica, or PGA Tour Champions. This early success continued in 2017 with victories at the BMW Charity Pro-Am and the Rust-Oleum Championship, solidifying his reputation as a rising star on the Korn Ferry Tour. In 2018, Jaeger clinched another Korn Ferry Tour win at the Knoxville Open. He finished the season ranked 12th on the Tour's priority list, earning his coveted PGA Tour card for the following year. Notably, Jaeger amassed six wins on the Korn Ferry Tour, placing him second all-time on the Tour's win list.

Jaeger's debut year on the PGA Tour in 2019 was a learning experience with several top-25 finishes but no wins. However, his dominance on the Korn Ferry Tour continued as he earned Player of the Year honors for the 2020-21 season. In 2022, he showcased his ability to compete with the best on the PGA Tour with a career-best T6 finish at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Finally, on March 31, 2024, Jaeger secured his first PGA Tour victory at the Texas Children's Houston Open. This dramatic win, defeating a strong field that included World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, marked a significant milestone in his professional career. As of May 2024, Jaeger sits at a career-high ranking of 42nd in the world, according to the Official World Golf Ranking.

Throughout his professional career, Jaeger has accumulated seven wins, with six coming on the Korn Ferry Tour and his recent triumph on the PGA Tour. The 2023-2024 season has seen Jaeger notch three top-3 finishes, including a win at the Houston Open.

Stephan Jaeger's Playing Style

Stephan Jaeger's rise to golf prominence can be attributed in part to his well-rounded game, but his playing style emphasises two key strengths: accuracy and consistency.

Jaeger isn't known for booming drives that land miles down the fairway. Instead, he prioritises controlled power, placing his tee shots strategically in play. This reduces the risk of ending up in rough or hazardous situations, allowing him to focus on his next shot.

Jaeger excels at hitting his irons consistently and accurately. This ability to control distance and direction with his irons is crucial for setting up birdie opportunities and minimising bogeys. Finding the green in regulation more frequently gives him more chances to score well and keep his scorecard clean.

Stephan Jaeger's Caddie

Henry Diana is Stephan Jaeger’s caddie.

Based out of St. Simons Island, Georgia, Diana has a long career caddying for various professional golfers. He began carrying bags in 2002 and has likely crossed paths with numerous players.

Jaeger’s previous caddies were:

Brett Waldman: Waldman has looped for Jaeger in the past, though it needs to be clarified for how long or in which tournaments.

Kent Bulle: This professional golfer also served as Jaeger's caddie, most notably during the 2023 Valspar Championship. However, Bulle infamously lost one of Jaeger's wedges during the opening round, adding a humorous anecdote to their partnership.

Stephan Jaeger's Golf Journey

Introduced to the sport by his family, his athletic background provided a strong foundation. A key decision to attend a renowned golf school in the US fueled his ambition. College success with four wins, including prestigious titles, showcased his talent.

Turning pro in 2012, Jaeger dominated the Korn Ferry Tour, setting a record-breaking score and amassing six wins. His PGA Tour debut saw him gain experience, while his dominance on the Korn Ferry Tour continued. In 2024, his hard work paid off with a dramatic win at the Houston Open, defeating the No. 1 golfer.

Stephan Jaeger's Achievements

Amateur Career:

• Four collegiate wins at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC)

• Ranked No. 1 in the R&A World Amateur Golf Rankings (beat No. 1 ranked Patrick Cantlay at a regional)

• Three-time Southern Conference Player of the Year

Korn Ferry Tour:

• Six wins, placing him second all-time on the Tour's win list

• Record-setting score at the 2016 Ellie Mae Classic (including a historic first-round 58)

• 2020-21 Korn Ferry Tour Player of the Year

PGA Tour:

• First PGA Tour win at the 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open (defeating World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler)

• Consistent improvement with several top-25 finishes and a T6 at the 2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic

• Current World Ranking: 43rd (as of May, 2024)

Stephan Jaeger's Majors

Stephan Jaeger's Ventures

Jaeger is the brand ambassador for Transcard, a leading company in payments technology based in Chattanooga. Unfortunately, the specifics of these deals are not available.

Stephan Jaeger's Family

Stephan was born to Klaus and Sophie Jaeger near Munich, Germany. They are the ones who introduced him to golf at a young age. He also has a sister named Michaela Jaeger

Stephan Jaeger's Wife

Stephan Jaeger's wife is Shelby Jaeger, and they've been married since 2018.

Shelby is a health coach with her own business called "Well and Bloom Health." This suggests an interest in health, fitness, and holistic wellness.

They met at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where Stephan studied. Shelby reportedly fervently supports the university's sports teams, particularly the baseball team.

Family Life:

Stephan Jaeger's Children

Together, Jaeger and his wife have a son named Harrison Fritz Jaeger, born in November 2022. They also share a pet golden retriever named Phil.