Phil Mickelson has been a fixture at the WM Phoenix Open for over 30 years. He won the Phoenix Open.
Lefty was an 18-year old freshman at Arizona State when he made his debut in the PGA Tour’s Arizona desert stop. Mickelson’s journey from being a three-time NCAA champ to becoming a six-time major champion, and 45-time winner on Tour saw him grow and the event at TPC Scottsdale took some of his personality with it.
Mickelson is not afraid to have a good time. The tournament, known as “The People’s Open”, boasts a party atmosphere that is highlighted by The Coliseum. This famous par-3 16th has 15,000 fans spread out around the hole. The event takes place from February 9-12.
Mickelson, who is a three-time winner of the Phoenix tournament, said that he felt the course was good for him. He also believes he will play well there and win the event. “I could not have imagined the magnitude, scale, and scope of this tournament. From a golfer’s perspective, the 16th hole is a legendary and unforgettable experience.
“It was always something special, but it became something larger and more than I thought possible.”
After defeating Justin Leonard in three-hole playoff, Phil Mickelson rode with Amy to the 18th Green. This was to win the 1996 Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. (Photo: Simon P. Barnett/Allsport)
Mickelson won his first Phoenix Open title in 1996. The tournament was played on Wednesday-Saturday as the Super Bowl was being held in Phoenix. This year, the 2023 event will be played on Thursday-Sunday. For his two other wins in 2005, and 2013, he was on 59 watches. He settled for 60 at each. He holds 15 tournament records and has finished in the top 10 an impressive eleven times. He is the tournament’s most valuable money winner.
Mickelson is simply the man of Phoenix. He was.
Mickelson will not be participating in the Phoenix Open for the fourth consecutive year. He skipped the event in 2020 to attend the Saudi International. Mickelson later defected to LIV Golf, an upstart circuit managed by Greg Norman, and funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. This title sponsor now supports the Saudi International.
In December 2019, former tournament chairman Tim Woods stated that he was not disappointed by Mickelson’s decision. “I mean, that’s what I am. Phil has been an integral part of our tournament for over 30 years. I’m sure the fans will be disappointed. He’s been a great ambassador and (Arizona State guy) and I don’t believe this is his last time with us. It’s my hope that it is not.”
Mickelson is just as optimistic as any other, but Woods, and Phoenix fans, should not be holding their breath for Mickelson’s return.
Phil Mickelson waits for the 12th tee to be teed off during the first round at the 2022 LIV Golf Chicago event at Rich Harvest Farms, Chicago. (Photo: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports)
Mickelson said that he doesn’t want to play in any of the PGA Tour’s regular stops. It’s hard to go to LIV tournaments that are so player-friendly. They try to provide the best experience for players and the lowest energy output during the week. This gives you the time to prepare, put on the tournament, and then be there with the fans. It’s hard to return to a tournament with such a high energy output.
Fans will be disappointed to see Brooks Koepka go, who was a two-time winner at TPC Scottsdale. Bubba Watson, Kevin Na and Kevin Na all joined LIV last season and are all listed in the top-15 on the all-time money list. Pat Perez, Bryson de Chambeau and other LIV golfers will not be returning.
Mickelson doesn’t want to return to the Tour but he believes players should be able to choose. It’s too much for the 52-year old. Mickelson will be exempt from the majors the next three year, so these four tournaments along with LIV’s schedule of 14 events and the Saudi International make for 19 starts.
“When I signed up I thought it was supposed be 10 (LIV Events). Also, 10 times four majors equals 14. Mickelson said that it was already a month more than what I thought. Mickelson said, “It’s more than enough.
“The LIV events make it so easy to return to them.”
Phoenix fans, don’t be discouraged, your event will always deliver. Five of the seven previous tournaments went to a playoff and the two outsiders lost by one and two strokes. Scottie Scheffler and Hideki Matsuyama have lifted the trophy within the same timeframe, and the likes Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele are also on hand to knock at the door. It’s also one of the new Tour events designated to ensure a top-quality field and a larger crowd.
Although Mickelson, Koepka, and Co. were temporarily hurt, the long-term prospects for the tournament in the Desert are bright.
