The WM Phoenix Open, also known as “The People’s Open” is the golf event of the year in Arizona. Some might even argue that it is the event of the golf season considering that the WM Phoenix Open is the highest attended event on the PGA Tour. As one of the first PGA Tour stops, it is known far and wide as the “Greatest Show on Grass.” The WM Phoenix Open brings in money for the charity, The Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds, who also host the event, focus on benefitting organizations that assist children and families— helping people in need and improve the quality of life in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
Mesa native Jesse Mueller will be one of the golfers competing in the WM Phoenix Open, having won his spot through the year-end tournament of the Southwest Section in the PGA of America. We had an opportunity to sit down and chat with Jesse and his caddy for the event, Jon Sarsiat, wanting to learn more about the guys behind the clubs.
It would seem as though Jesse was born with a club in his hand. He tells a great story of how golf has always been a part of his family culture and how it is how they spent time together growing up. Jesse attended Red Mountain high school, competing on the golf team, and leading the team to three state championships. Continuing on to ASU, where he did play at the collegiate level and earned varying awards and recognitions. After college, Jesse was active on the professional golf circuit where he did win a few championships. These days though, golf is what you would call a side gig for Jesse. He spends his days as the general manager of the Grand Canyon University golf course.
Jon, on the other hand, is an amateur all-around athlete. Born in Canada and raised in Canada, he played any and all sports growing up, eventually starting golf in the sixth grade thanks to a friend. For Jon, caddying is also a side gig. Although he has a deep respect for those who are professional caddies. You can hear the reverence when he talks about it. Instead, Jon took the academic route, golf giving him the opportunity to get scholarships to pursue the academics he wanted. Jon spends his days as a medical director, overseeing the providers at a local inpatient hospital.
With such different backgrounds and upbringings (not to mention different countries), how did we end up with this local dynamic duo? The answer is simple—the wives. Most husbands are quick to point out the amazingness of their wife and these gentlemen are no different. When asked about where their friendship started they quickly point to and give credit to their wives. Over eight years ago these families moved to the same neighborhood. Jesse and Jon’s friendship was born out of their wives becoming friends.
Jon caddying for Jesse is a new addition to their friendship, only within the past few years. Jon and Jesse both point to enjoying hanging out together when asked about the best parts of working together on the golf course. “We always have a good time,” Jesse says.
Jon truly loves helping and giving advice to help Jesse’s game improve, "Anyway I can help him out whether he needs a cookie on the course or a water…” he says during our conversation. Jesse is quick to jump in with a story though, showcasing the dedication of Jon. During a tournament in Kentucky (Jon is already laughing, not even knowing what story is about to be shared), Jesse shot a bogey or two which sent Jon running back to the clubhouse, claiming he would be right back. “I feel like you needed these,” Jon says as he runs back to Jesse on the course, shoving chocolate chip cookies in the caddy bib. It was summer though, by the time Jon returned the cookies had melted. Jon pointed out that Jesse still had one. Not only did Jesse eat a cookie, but his game improved after the cookie.
Are cookies the secret to a better golf game? The jury is still out, Jon later said he might have made that part up and he might have eaten all the cookies himself. I know they can agree that Taylor Swift playing in the golf cart is a must have though when you’re playing golf. I even heard it coming from their golf cart myself.
Taylor Swift playing in the golf cart is a must have though when you’re playing golf.
Jon truly loves helping and giving advice to help Jesse’s game improve, 'Anyway I can help him out whether he needs a cookie on the course or a water…'