The Arizona State Sun Devils men's golf program has routinely been among the nation's best.
This week's Waste Management Phoenix Open field is a reflection of that.
The maroon and gold will be well represented at TPC Scottsdale this week. Here's a look at five former Devils to keep an eye on as the tournament gets underway.
Phil Mickelson
The man they call "Lefty" is one of the world’s most decorated golfers. Only eight men have won more PGA Tour events than the 45-year-old Mickelson, who has 42 career victories, including three Masters championships. Mickelson is a three-time Phoenix Open winner; his last championship at TPC came in 2013.
At ASU, Mickelson became the first left-hander to win a U.S. Amateur title (1990), and he earned three straight Haskins Awards, given each year to the most outstanding collegiate golfer in the U.S.
Matt Jones
The Australian-born Jones will look for his second PGA Tour victory; his first came at the Shell Houston Open in 2014. His best performance at a major came last year when he finished tied for 21st at the PGA Championship.
The 35-year-old Jones was a first-team All-American at ASU in 2001 and helped lead the Sun Devils to two Pac-10 championships.
Scott Pinckney
The 26-year-old Pinckney attended Boulder Creek High School in Anthem before joining ASU’s golf program in 2008. He turned pro in 2011 and is looking for his first PGA Tour title.
Pinckney is a childhood friend of four-time major champ Rory McIlroy. Pinckney finished second to McIlroy in the Doral Junior Public Links when they were both 9 years old; two years later, the Irish-born McIlroy stayed with Pinckney and his family in Utah while McIlroy was spending a summer in the U.S.
Chez Reavie
Reavie attended Dobson High School in Mesa before becoming a Sun Devil. He was a three-time All-American at ASU and went back to school in 2010 to complete his degree, a full six years after turning pro.
The 34-year-old Reavie has one career PGA Tour championship under his belt: the RBC Canadian Open in 2008. His best finish in a major was a tie for 45th at the 2011 U.S. Open.
Pat Perez
Perez is a Phoenix native who helped guide the Sun Devils to the 1996 national championship. His sole PGA Tour victory came at the 50th Bob Hope Classic in 2009, and his best finish in a major came in 2005 when he placed tied for sixth at the PGA Championship.
