If there were ever a golfer who epitomized the prestige surrounding ASU's program, it would be former Sun Devil Phil Mickelson.
Just a decade after finishing a collegiate career that featured more accomplishments than any other golfer in school history, Mickelson will be one of 12 people inducted into the ASU athletics Hall of Fame on Oct. 26.
The four-time, first-team All American, who played at ASU from 1989-1992, holds the school record for the most individual tournament wins with 16, twice as many as Billy Mayfair. Three of those victories came in the form of NCAA medalist honors.
The distinction of winning the NCAA title is a feat only two other golfers in Sun Devil history have attained. But Mickelson did it three times, including during his freshman year.
The list of accolades continues on and on for this magnificent golfer, who graduated from ASU with a bachelor's degree in psychology in 1992. Mickelson, one of only three Sun Devil U.S. Amateur champions, captured the World Amateur Championship in 1990. Although Mickelson was a medalist winner only once in conference play, he earned Pac-10 Player of the Year honors three consecutive seasons.
Mickelson joined the PGA Tour after his playing days at ASU. Through 11 years on the professional circuit, he has won 21 events, yet holds the distinction of being the best golfer to never win a major. Even though tension from the media builds year in and year out, Mickelson keeps plugging away in hopes of someday taking that niche off his back.
While playing in Tempe, Mickelson was coached by Steve Loy, who has since become his agent on the PGA Tour. Mickelson ranks second on the money list this season behind Tiger Woods. He has accumulated more than $3.8 million in earnings.
In four years at ASU, Mickelson improved his scoring average in each successive season. From 72.14 strokes per round as a freshman, Mickelson lowered his mark to a mind-boggling 69.95 in his senior year.
Reach the reporter at casey.pritchard@asu.edu.
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