ASU Golf: Jon Rahm, Mickelson both below par at Waste Management Phoenix Open

Phil Mickelson will always be the fan favorite at the Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, but fellow ASU alumni Jon Rahm is giving him a run for the crowd’s affection this year.

Coming off of a win at the Farmers Insurance Open after draining an epic eagle putt on the 72nd hole, he was paired with Jordan Spieth and Ricky Fowler for the first round in Phoenix.

Then Rahm approaches the infamous 16th hole shooting two-under par, throws on an Arizona State No. 42 Pat Tillman jersey with “Rahmbo” stitched on the back, gestures for the crowd to get louder, then proceeds to stick his approach on the green. He drew a roar, a bit subdued because of his featured threesome that teed off just before 8:00 a.m. on the back nine.

Rahm finished his day one-under (70) after bogeying the 18th, hitting three birdies.

Mind you, this is all before Mickelson had teed off.

The veteran didn’t disappoint though, shooting an impressive three-under (68) hitting three birdies on the front-nine and shooting a bogey free opening round.

Matt Kuchar shot a 7-under 64 to take the lead after Round 1, while Hideki Matsuyama and Brandon Steele are second after shooting a 6-under 65 earlier in the day.

Could this be the year we see another ASU alum come out on top? After impressive opening rounds, Rahm and Mickelson didn't play themselves out of it on Day 1.