The Loop
Report: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson to be paired together at Safeway Open
2016 PGA of America
After having a big hand in overhauling the U.S. Ryder Cup system, it appears Phil Mickelson is going to get something else he asked for: A tee time with Tiger Woods.
The San Francisco Chronicle has reported Mickelson and Woods will be paired together Thursday and Friday at the Safeway Open, the opening event of the 2016-2017 PGA Tour season. The PGA Tour doesn't officially release pairings until Tuesday of tournament weeks.
On Friday, Woods confirmed he will play in the tournament after announcing he hoped to return to action there exactly one month prior. Woods sat out the entire 2015-2016 season while recovering from two back surgeries. He last played in the 2015 Wyndham Championship.
The San Francisco Chronicle's Ron Kroichick also reported Woods will play with two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry in Wednesday's pro-am.
Woods and Mickelson spent plenty of time together at last week's Ryder Cup. Mickelson went 2-1-1 and Woods was one of the team's vice captains.
“I’m hoping we can get paired together,” Mickelson told ESPN.com last month after learning of Woods' intention to play in the event. “That would be really fun. I would love it.”
And so will golf fans around the world. A pairing of two guys with a combined 19 majors at a fall tour event? Yes, please.