Holmes goes for third FBR Open title as Mickelson debuts

2009-01-29

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SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA (TICKER) —J.B. Holmes and Phil Mickelson are looking forward to the FBR Open, which starts Thursday at the TPC Scottsdale.

While Holmes is seeking to win the event for a third time, Mickelson will be making his season debut this week.

In 2006, Holmes won in a walk, posting a seven-stroke victory for his first win on the PGA Tour.

Last year, the Kentucky native found himself in a playoff with Mickelson and won on the first hole for his second career title.

Holmes especially is anticipating the challenging par-3, 162-yard 16th hole. In a new twist, the hole has had stands built around the green, putting spectators close to the action.

“It’s a phenomenal experience and a lot of fun,” Holmes said. “But it’s hard for club selection because you’ve got adrenaline pumping and the wind, and you do have 20,000 or 30,000 people yelling at you.”

Making his third start of the season, Holmes opened his campaign in Hawaii with a tie for 29th at the Mercedes-Benz Championship before missing the cut the following week at the Sony Open.

Mickelson is starting the season at this event for a second time, tying for ninth in 2003.

A local favorite after playing his college golf at Arizona State, Mickelson is playing this event for the 18th consecutive time and has won twice - in 1996 and 2005.

“It’s always good to be back,” Mickelson said. “It’s a bit extra special this week with the (Arizona) Cardinals playing in the Super Bowl. The atmosphere should still be electric.”

In his career, Mickelson has finished in the top 10 nine times and has earned $2,455,813 at the FBR Open.

Other former Sun Devils playing this week include Billy Mayfair, Pat Perez, Jeff Quinney and Chez Reavie. Last week, Perez won the 50th Bob Hope Classic for his first PGA Tour victory and also made headlines with his record 20-under-par two-round total.

Perez missed the cut here in his first six appearances before tying for 43rd last year. The atmosphere of the 16th hole also is something which entices Perez.

“It looks unbelievable, but it’s going to be a circus. But it looks cool,” he said. “It looks really cool, full stadium effect. It’s going to be loud, and it’s going to be - I’m there Friday afternoon. I’ll be getting in there about 4:00 on Friday afternoon, and I’m playing with Couples. There’s going to be a lot of people. It’s going to be loud.”

TPC Scottsdale plays at 7,216 yards and par-71.

First prize is $1.08 million.