Former ASU golfer Phil Mickelson became the oldest major champion in men's golf history Sunday at the age of 50 by winning the 2021 PGA Championship at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island.
Mickelson tapped in a putt for par on the 18th hole Sunday to finish six strokes under par and win the tournament. Mickelson was one of just three golfers to shoot better than three strokes under par, as many struggled with harsh winds throughout the tournament.
One of the most exciting moments from Mickelson's final round came on the fifth hole, where he chipped in a shot from a bunker to secure a birdie.
Julius Boros previously held the record for the oldest man to win a major when he won the 1968 PGA Championship at 48 years old.
Mickelson's PGA Championship marks the sixth major championship of his professional career. Mickelson's last major championship victory came at The Open Championship in 2013 at age 43.
Many people congratulated Mickelson on social media, including ASU President Michael Crow, Vice President for University Athletics Ray Anderson, former ASU golfer Jon Rahm and Tiger Woods, among others.
"Chasing and making history. A week to remember!! Congratulations @PhilMickelson," Rham, who finished the tournament one stroke under par, said in a tweet Sunday.
Mickelson had a storied collegiate career at ASU from 1988 to 1992, where he won three individual NCAA Championships and helped the Sun Devils win the team NCAA Championship in 1990. Mickelson also finished as an All-American in each of his four years at ASU.
Mickelson remains linked to the ASU program, as he helped design the Thunderbirds Golf Complex, the practice facility for the University's men's and women's golf teams located in Papago Park.
Mickelson's brother, Tim, coached ASU's men's golf team from 2011 to 2016 before current head coach Matt Thurmond took over the program.
Reach the reporter at ltochter@asu.edu and follow @Leo_Toch on Twitter.
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