If you head out to the Waste Management Phoenix Open this
week and see a huge crowd following one golfer around,
chances are it will be Phil Mickelson.

Mickelson, who owns 39 career PGA Tour wins – including
two in Arizona – is a fan favorite in the Valley after
winning three national championships as an Arizona State
Sun Devil. So, it should come as no surprise to hear the
lefty likes coming back to the Valley to play.

“The people here have treated me so well through the
years,” Mickelson said. “I can’t believe it’s been 20
years since I’ve been out of college, it’s gone by awfully
quickly.

“Even though I moved back to San Diego a decade ago I
still feel a community vibe here and the way the people
have treated us has been awesome.”

Unfortunately for Mickelson, golf courses haven’t been as
obliging as late. He’s had his share of struggles,
including missing the cut at last week’s Farmers Insurance
Open.

But that won’t stop him, not this week.

“I love to compete, I’m excited about this year, I’m ready
to play,” he said. “I don’t know what happened last week;
I’m going to put it as something I’m going to shrug off.”

Arizona Sports’ Kyndra de St. Aubin contributed to this
report

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