Golfer Brooks Koepka is also excited about the fan support.
"I can't believe how many people are out on a Wednesday," he said from the course. "I don't think I've ever seen that, especially at 7 a.m. With the Fourth of July weekend I'm sure a bunch of people got off work. It could be a perfectly timed event. I think we're going to see a lot fo fans."
Mickelson also talked about his memories of Minnesota, including the 2016 Ryder Cup victory at Hazeltine.
"I've got a lot of great memories here, and experiences throughout my career," said Mickelson. "Mostly, the highlight is the 2016 Ryder Cup. It's just one of the moments I cherish in my career, and being a part of that team was really special. Getting that win was exceptional. Then it goes all the way back to when I played the U.S. Open as an amateur back in '91 at Hazeltine."
The course, the TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, has previously hosted the Champion's Tour's 3M Championship, won last year by Kenny Perry at 21 under. Now the course hosts the regular tour for the first time. Players so far are raving about the setup including Mickelson. "Course is spectacular. It's in phenomenal shape and fun to play. A lot of water but a lot of birdie opportunities and some really tough holes too."
When asked if it will play as easy as it did for the Champion's Tour, Mickelson described how it will be different. "They've changed it quite a bit and lengthened it. They do have a converted par 5 into a par 4. So, I don't think it will be that low. But, because the greens are receptive, it should be great scoring."
There has been some criticism of the low scores at another first-time tournament last week in Detroit at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. The winner, Nate Lashley (who has an amazing story too), finished at 25 under with 41 players finishing at 10 under or better at the Detroit Golf Club. The hope is that the TPC, after the course changes, will provide more of a challenge for the pros.
"You can attack some pins and be a little aggressive, and make some birdies," said Mickelson. "But it's not an easy course by any means. I think the wind could be a big factor too. You have to drive the ball reasonably well, but there's a big margin of error around the greens because they're big and they're soft."
The area has seen a significant amount of rain recently making the course very soft. There is a chance of rain each day through the weekend too.