Phoenix Open homecoming sweet for former ASU golfers Mickelson, Rahm

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — By the thundering echo of “A-S-U” chants and the sporadic calls of “Forks Up!” one would think the golf tournament at TPC Scottsdale this week was an Arizona State athletics event.

In a way, it kind of is.

ASU products Phil Mickelson and Jon Rahm teed off Thursday morning at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, a tournament that is a true homecoming for both.

For Mickelson, who graduated from ASU in 1992, it’s a reminder of where his success started. During his four years of golf at the school, Mickelson notched three NCAA individual titles and became just the second collegiate golfer to be named an All-American all four years he played.

“It’s been awesome coming back here,” Mickelson said Wednesday with a smile. “The Arizona State background and the fans here have been tremendous to play in front of. I love the fact that I went to school here and had so many great years of my life spent here in Arizona.”

Mickelson’s enjoyed a decorated 26-year career on the tour, where he’s won 42 PGA Tour events, including three Masters’ wins (2004, 2006, 2010), a PGA Tour Championship in 2005 and an Open Championship in 2013. But for him, there’s still something special about the Phoenix Open.

“I think everybody appreciates what this tournament is and that it’s a special week, different than any other that we have on tour,” he said.

“It’s a fun place to play. It’s one of the places I look forward to every year.”

ASU fans can say the same about Mickelson’s return.

The course lies just 20 miles from ASU’s Tempe campus. Given the tournament’s robust reputation, along with location proximity, it’s no surprise the Sun Devil faithful have become so profound.

“The atmosphere is incredible,” Rahm said. “The fans are amazing and after the past year they have been more welcoming than ever. It’s always great to have that positive atmosphere going around.

“Since the higher percentage of fans out here are ASU grads, or they’re in school, it really is amazing. Every time I go by, every hole, every shot, I get cheers from someone from ASU and that’s always really helpful.”

Rahm, who resides in the Phoenix area, may not be as experienced as Mickelson, but his reception is just as large. After two All-American accolades and receiving the Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year award — given to the nation’s top collegiate golfer — Rahm graduated from ASU in 2016 and took the PGA Tour by storm. He won his first PGA Tour event at the Farmers Insurance Open in 2017 and holds the world’s No. 2 ranking.

The fan support has helped him tremendously at the tournament, Rahm said, and added that it’s not something he gets every week.

“It’s great. When you miss a shot you remember how many people you have pulling for you,” he said. “When you’re playing good, it makes it that much more fun. It just escalates everything to a whole level of joy. I almost wish every golf event was like this.”

This year Arizona State fans received double the excitement as Rahm and Mickelson were paired up together in Thursday’s threesome, and besides their shared love of their college, the pair share another thing in common — mutual respect for each other.

For Mickelson, whose brother Tim was ASU’s coach while Rahm played, and now serves as Rahm’s caddy, there is no doubt that Rahm will achieve the No. 1 ranking.

“He’ll get there eventually,” Mickelson said. “He’s so talented and to have him do it so quickly out of college is very impressive.

“Not only that, he’s such a nice guy to be around and he’s enjoyable. I’m very appreciative of him for what he’s done for my brother and our family. He’s just a terrific guy.”

Rahm echoed similar sentiments, stating that Mickelson had been nothing but a role model to him.

“He’s arguably one of the greatest guys out here,” said Rahm regarding Mickelson. “He’s always been a great friend and mentor to me. He’s helped me out on everything he’s been able to help out on, in college and out of college.”

Rahm added that Mickelson’s friendly nature is a big reason why the two jell so well.

“I love playing practice rounds with him,” Rahm said. “I love joking around with him. We all know how much he loves joking around and it’s really fun to play with him because I feel like it’s friendly competition. We all get really relaxed around him.”

Both golfers seemed relaxed on Thursday’s round, as the pair definitely didn’t disappoint the raucous crowd on hole 16. After both approached the tee, accompanied more booming ASU cheers, of course, both golfers birdied the hole. Mickelson celebrated by tossing a ball into the stands, while Rahm motioned to the crowd that he wanted more noise.

“It’s the greatest hole there is all year long,” Rahm said. “The fans can make it pretty embarrassing if you miss a shot. But what they have done with that hole is outstanding.”

Mickelson finished round one with a 1-under 71. Rahm followed up with a 4-under 68. Both are slated to play together during round two on Friday. Tee-time is set for 12:11 p.m.