The Greenbrier announced last week that five-time major champion Phil Mickelson, who recently helped lead the United States to victory over Europe in the Ryder Cup, will become a member of The Greenbrier Sporting Club and serve as The Greenbrier’s Tour Ambassador.
“Phil is a wonderful golfer and a terrific person,” said Jim Justice, owner and CEO, The Greenbrier. “We’re thrilled to be teaming up with him and pleased that he will be buying a home and becoming a member of the terrific Greenbrier Sporting Club community.”
Mickelson joins Golf Professional Emeritus Lee Trevino and fellow Greenbrier Sporting Club member Bubba Watson on the list of golfing stars currently representing The Greenbrier. He also becomes part of a tradition that dates back to Sam Snead, The Greenbrier’s first Golf Professional Emeritus.
“The Greenbrier truly is America’s Resort,” said Mickelson. “My family, like all others who have visited the resort, loves The Greenbrier. I’m excited that I’ll soon be calling The Greenbrier Sporting Club home and will be part of such a wonderful community.”
In his new position with The Greenbrier, Mickelson will serve as a design advisor for The Greenbrier Course, which is undergoing a renovation as part of the project to restore the resort’s courses that were damaged as a result of the 1,000-year flood that came through West Virginia on June 23. The San Diego, CA, native will be the TOUR Ambassador for The Greenbrier and will make his fourth appearance in The Greenbrier Classic when it’s held July 3-9, 2017.
In addition to becoming a resident of The Greenbrier Sporting Club, Mickelson will help promote the growth and development of the new Oakhurst community, which include the new mountaintop course that is currently under construction and designed by four of golf’s biggest legends – Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Lee Trevino.
Mickelson, 46, has been playing professionally since 1992 and has 51 professional wins, including three Masters Green Jackets and one title each at the PGA Championship and The Open Championship. He became a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2012, and his 42 PGA TOUR victories rank ninth all time.
“It’s great to have him represent what we know is the best tournament on the PGA Tour,” said Habibi Mamone, executive tournament director, The Greenbrier Classic. “We couldn’t ask for a better partner, and we can’t wait to see The Old White TPC Course packed with fans and the world’s best golfers again next summer.”
Mickelson has already started supporting his new West Virginia neighbors, recently making a generous donation to Neighbors Loving Neighbors, The Greenbrier’s charity organization that is helping rebuild homes lost in the floods.
Mickelson played in The Greenbrier Classic in 2011, 2012 and 2013, including Pro-Am rounds with Justice. The Greenbrier’s Owner and Mickelson have also worked together through Birdies for the Brave, a PGA TOUR supported charity originally started by Mickelson and his wife Amy in 2006. The organization helps to support military members and their families.
“I am humbled by what happened to Greenbrier County during the recent flash floods,” said Mickelson. “I am also most proud of my relationship with Jim Justice and how he continues to come to the aid of all of those affected by this catastrophe.”
“For that reason, I contacted Jim and said, ‘If you will have me, I want to come back and play in The Greenbrier Classic for the rest of your tenure. I also want to help those in need in rebuilding a great community.’ I hope to see golfers and golf fans join me in coming out and paying a visit to The Greenbrier. There’s no better way to help the community than by coming for a visit.”
