Renowned professional golfer Phil Mickelson has found himself in hot water this week as his name surfaced in connection with sports betting in Las Vegas.
A soon-to-be-released book written by professional gambler Billy Walters alleges that Mickelson placed 858 bets of $220,000 each and 1,115 bets of $110,000 each on football, basketball, and baseball from 2010 through 2014, losing around $100 million.
The book also alleges Mickelson called Walters from the course at the 2012 Ryder Cup, which he played in for Team USA, wanting to place a $400,000 wager on his team to win.
“Have you lost your %&*$ing mind? Don’t you remember what happened to Pete Rose?” Walters told Mickelson according to ESPN. “You’re seen as the modern-day Arnold Palmer. You’d risk all that for this? I want no part of it.”
Team Europe ended up winning the 2012 Ryder Cup with a thrilling comeback on the tournament’s final day.
Mickelson adamantly denied his alleged attempt to bet on the Ryder Cup but acknowledged his past gambling habits.
“I never bet on the Ryder Cup,” the six-time major champion wrote on Twitter. “While it is well known that I always enjoy a friendly wager on the course, I would never undermine the integrity of the game. I have also been very open about my gambling addiction. I have previously conveyed my remorse, took responsibility, have gotten help, have been fully committed to therapy that has positively impacted me and I feel good about where I am now.”
Mickelson has twice been tied to illegal gambling in the past, but he has never been charged with a crime and has publicly called his addiction “embarrassing” and “reckless.”
The latest reports of Mickelson’s gambling habits drew the attention of fellow golfers, and four-time major champion Rory McIlroy commented on the issue at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, saying, “At least he can bet on the Ryder Cup this year because he won’t be a part of it.”
Mickelson did not qualify for one of the six automatic spots for Team USA, and the remaining slots will be announced at a press conference on August 29.
He continues playing on the LIV Tour as it heads to New Jersey this weekend.