SOUTHWEST PGA'S JESSE MUELLER COMPETES IN THE WM PHOENIX OPEN

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - February 7, 2024 - Jesse Mueller will once again be representing the Southwest PGA in the WM Phoenix Open taking place February 8-11 at TPC Scottsdale. He earned the Section's exemption from the 66th Southwest PGA Championship/PPC on the Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club last September.

"It is truly a blessing from God to be able to participate in WM Phoenix Open," said Mueller. "I would like to thank the Thunderbirds and the PGA TOUR for partnering with the Southwest PGA. I am honored to represent the Section and our entire membership as the WM Phoenix Open is the highlight of our year."

Mueller serves as the PGA General Manager at Grand Canyon University Golf Course in Phoenix.

His quest to become the first Southwest PGA Professional to make the cut since 2005 begins Thursday with his opening round time at 1:50 p.m. off the 10th tee and Friday’s second round at 9:10 a.m. off No. 1. Mueller is paired with Finland's Sami Valimaki and Adrien Dumont de Chassart, from Belguim. Don Yrene was the last Southwest PGA Professional to accomplish the feat finishing T69 in 2005.

The WM Phoenix Open appearance will be Mueller’s third (2018, 2021). He missed the cut in 2021 by just one stroke.

"I'm looking forward to once again having the opportunity to play in front of my family and friends," Mueller said. "The golf course is always in excellent condition and the Thunderbirds really know how to host an event like no one else."

Mueller had another outstanding year on the course having won the first two majors of the 2023 Southwest PGA season with victories in the Spring Masters Championship and Match Play Championship. He finished tied for third in the Arizona Open Championship and was runner-up in the 66th Southwest PGA Championship/PPC at We-Ko-Pa G.C. He captured his fourth consecutive Southwest PGA Player of the Year honor, which is fourth best in Section history behind Don Yrene (6), Bob Phillips (6) and Michael Hopper (5).

Mueller also competed in six PGA Tour events in 2023, stemming from his victory in the 2022 PGA of America Professional Championship at Omni Barton Creek in Austin, Texas. He has competed in two U.S. Opens and the 2022 PGA Championship.

Follow all the action with the live leaderboard.