Phil Mickelson to design Arizona State’s short-game practice course
Feb 16, 2017, 8:16 PM | Updated: 8:18 pm
It’s not bad to have one of the world’s best golfers as an alum.
Arizona State’s golf program not only has the support of former Sun Devil Phil Mickelson but now will use his knowledge as it begins building a new practice facility at the Papago Golf Course in Tempe, Ariz.
Mickelson will be a designer for the practice facility’s short-game area.
“This short-game facility is going to be the single greatest short-game facility in the country,” Mickelson said in ASU’s video of the project. “It’s not going to be the biggest, it’s not going to be the most aesthetically beautiful. It’s going to be the most functional. It’s where these young college players will be able to develop their game and harness their short-game and develop a world-class short-game.”
According to GolfWeek.com, the entire practice area will include a 6,750 square feet air-conditioned space and 2,400 square feet of covered outdoor space — that doesn’t include the short-game area and driving range.
Arizona State’s coaches, Matt Thurmond and Missy Farr-Kaye, will also give their input in the design process.
Papago and ASU signed a 30-year contract to make the course home for the Sun Devils’ men’s and women’s teams.
Construction on a new clubhouse is set for June and the practice facility is expected to break ground in 2017 as well.
