Philly Mick Using His Swag

The Fry's Electronics Open, the inaugural event played at Grayhawk GC's Raptor Course a few weeks ago, is probably going to stay at Grayhawk - per THE GOLF CHANNEL'S BRIAN HEWITT.

Why? Because Grayhawk used to be officially represented by Mickelson on Tour. Even though his contract with the club long expired, Mickelson still flashes the logo on his bag. He has an allegiance to the club and the Arizona fans and businesses that supported him early in his career.
From Hewitt:

Originally Fry’s had hoped to move the event to The Institute, a golf course in Morgan Hill. Calif. But permitting problems at The Institute have delayed its availability as a Fry’s site. Officials then began looking at the new TPC Champions course, also in Scottsdale, as a possible venue for next year’s Fry’s Electronics Open. But the word out of Arizona is that the people at Grayhawk, which Mickelson once represented, didn’t want to give up the event that easily. When Grayhawk told the TOUR that Mickelson would almost certainly return to the event if it stayed at Grayhawk, that got the TOUR’s attention.

With blistering attendance under 30,000 for this year's event (courtesy, Bob Harig), it is no wonder that Fry's was looking to move venues. But, Mickelson may be a draw enough to keep the event in Scottsdale.

Mickelson is clearly doing this because of allegiance and loyalty to Grayhawk. BUT, could Mickelson be trying to use this as a way of forcing the Tour to allow him to host an event just like Tiger Woods' AT&T National? Earlier in the season, before the Nissan Open was officially renamed, Mickelson sponsor Bearing Point was a potential new title sponsor. Mickelson was reportedly pushing to be the official host of the LA event as a condition of their sponsorship.

Still to be determined is what role Mickelson might have with Bearing Point at Riviera, although it likely will fall well short of Lefty serving as the official host. The only host in the 80-year history at Riviera was singer Glen Campbell.

Now, Northern Trust is the title sponsor of the event - probably because Mickelson couldn't get what he wanted.

Is he trying door number two in a little quid pro quo?