Phil Mickelson Joins the CareerBuilder Challenge Field
Two-Time Champion Phil Mickelson becomes the latest player
To Enter 2016 CareerBuilder Challenge Field
Iconic, fan-friendly Southern California native has enjoyed tremendous success in the Coachella Valley
LA QUINTA, Calif. – Phil Mickelson, one of eight multiple event champions and one of the most popular players of his generation, has committed to play the 2016 CareerBuilder Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation.
Mickelson, a 2012 World Golf Hall Of Fame inductee and event champion in 2002 and 2004, will face two new courses: the TPC Stadium and Jack Nicklaus Tournament Courses at PGA WEST, which join longtime tournament mainstay La Quinta Country Club as courses for the event. Official rounds for the tournament, which features a $5.8 million purse, are scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 24.
No matter the venue, Mickelson has enjoyed a great deal of success in the tournament. He is third (behind defending champion Bill Haas and 2005 event champion Justin Leonard) in all-time event earnings with $2,112,252 and has four top-10 finishes in 12 appearances.
Mickelson’s 37 birdies over 90 holes is tied for the tournament record and his four-shot rally to win the 2002 event in a playoff over David Berganio Jr. is tied for the second-biggest comeback in event history.
The titles in the desert are two of Mickelson’s 42 PGA TOUR victories, the second most among active PGA TOUR golfers. Included in that total are five major championships: the 2004, 2006 and 2010 Masters, the 2005 PGA Championship and the 2013 Open Championship.
Mickelson’s career legacy is one for the ages, no matter the era. He has earned more than $77.4 million to go with those 42 victories, five majors and 98 top-three finishes. Mickelson has made the cut in 83.6 percent of his starts (440 of 526) and has finished in the top 25 in more than half – 53.8 percent – of his starts.
Phil Mickelson is not only one of the greatest players to ever compete in our event, but he is one of the greatest players in the history of the game,” said Tournament Director Bill Tait. “This is an event where he has enjoyed much success and has built a legacy for future players to strive toward. To see him compete in our event is a true thrill for every golf fan, no matter the age, because he is comfortable here and because he is one of the classiest professionals in the game when it comes to interacting with his amateur partners and with the fans.”
Mickelson’s warm rapport with fans is recognized at every venue. He is famous for staying behind after rounds and honoring every autograph request placed in front of him, which he has done numerous times at the Coachella Valley event. On top of that, Mickelson is an active participant in charitable endeavors, giving back through his active participation in The Phil and Amy Mickelson Foundation, the Birdies for the Brave, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Homes for Our Troops and Start Smart.
Last season, Mickelson racked up eight top-25s in 19 events, including a T2 at The Masters. He made 16-of-19 cuts and banked more than $2.1 million. He capped his year by going 3-0-1 in the United States’ 15 ˝-14 ˝ victory over the International Team at the Presidents Cup in South Korea.
Mickelson becomes the 12th past event champion to commit to the 2016 event. He joins defending champion Bill Haas (a fellow multiple champion), Brian Gay (2013), Mark Wilson (2012), Jhonattan Vegas (2011), Pat Perez (2009), D.J. Trahan (2008), Charley Hoffman (2007), Chad Campbell (2006), Leonard (2005), Joe Durant (2001) and Mark Brooks (1996).