SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA (AP) – A crowd of loving Minnesota Vikings fans greeted Adam Thielen as he walked off the final hole of Wednesday’s pro-am at the WM Phoenix Open, many of whom were wearing his No. 19 jersey.
Thielen, a two-time NFL Pro Bowl receiver, was expected to sign autographs.
Could he, however, one day stroll the course as professional golfer Adam Thielen?
The NFL superstar is no stranger to the sport. While attending Detroit Lakes High School in Minnesota, he was a member of the 2007 state championship golf team. In between training sessions, he’s worked at a variety of charity events and progressively ascended the ranks, finishing in the top 12 at last year’s American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe. In addition, during the 2021 LPGA Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions, he was spotted wearing a nice pair of Happy Gilmore shoes.
Thielen made his WM Phoenix Open debut on Wednesday at TPC Scottsdale, where he was teamed with Brooks Koepka, who was evidently impressed by his playing partner.
“My squad — Jeff Pierce and Ricky, my caddy — we were talking about it and laughing about it.” Thielen’s abilities are “incredible,” according to Koepka. “His ball speed is definitely among the top 15 in the country.” I mean, it was 179 and change on the last hole.”
Before you dismiss Thielen’s chances of making the PGA Tour, keep in mind that few people predicted him to become a franchise receiver. He was a football player for Minnesota State University in Mankato, which is in Division II.
After being refused an invitation to the NFL Combine, he pleased evaluators in a regional combine and subsequently earned a spot on the Vikings practice roster.
Thielen’s determination, paired with his inherent talent, could serve him well in professional golf, Koepka remarked.
“We were having a good time.” Give him six to eight months to fine-tune his game, and he’ll be ready to play professional golf. He’s merely a sportsman. Koepka replied, “Athletes it around.” “He’s good, clearly incredibly good at football; I don’t have to tell you that, but I believe he played baseball.”
“I mean, he said he played four sports throughout high school, so he’s a true athlete.” “He’s a kind man.”
