Phil Mickelson opens up on gambling addiction

Phil Mickelson has issued a lengthy statement on social media in which he has addressed the progress he’s made in battling his gambling addiction.

The six-time major champion issued the post with the NFL season in the US having just completed the second weekend of its 2023 season.

“Most of you will enjoy this football season with moderation while having lots of fun and entertainment,” wrote Mickelson.

“The fantasy leagues will provide banter amongst friends and money won or lost betting won’t affect you. I won’t be betting this year because I crossed the line of moderation and into addiction which isn’t any fun at all.”

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Mickelson statement comes just over a month after professional sports bettor Billy Walters claimed in a new book that the left-hander has gambled over $1billion on sports and even attempted to wager $400,000 on the 2012 Ryder Cup – a match in which he played.

Whilst Mickelson denies ever placing a bet on the Ryder Cup, he has admitted to being a gambling addict and, in his social media post, he elaborated on the impact that has had on his family.

“The money wasn’t ever the issue since our financial security has never been threatened, but I was so distracted I wasn’t able to be present with the ones I love and caused a lot of harm,” he wrote.

“This lack of presence has been so hurtful. ‘You’re here but you’re not with us’ is something I’ve been told often throughout my addiction. It affected those I care about in ways I wasn’t aware or could fully understand.

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“It’s like a hurricane is going on outside and I’m isolated in a shelter oblivious to what was happening. When I came out there was so much damage to clean up that I just wanted to go back inside and not deal with it.”

Addressing the support of his wife, Amy, he added: “If you ever cross the line of moderation and enter into addiction, hopefully you won’t confuse your enablers as friends like I did. Hopefully you won’t have to deal with these difficult moments publicly so others can profit off you like I have.

“But hopefully you WILL have a strong and supportive partner who is willing to help you through being your worst self, and through your worst moments like I have in Amy.

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“She has loved me and supported me through my darkest and most difficult times. I couldn’t have gotten through this without her. I’m so grateful for her strength in helping us get through the many challenges I’ve created for us.

“Because of her love, support, and commitment, I’m back on track to being the person I want to be.

“After many years of receiving professional help, not gambling, and being in recovery from my addictions, I’m now able to sit still, be present in the moment and live each day with an inner calm and peace.

“I still have a lot of cleaning up to do with those I love the most but I’m doing it slowly and as best I can. This football season and beyond, enjoy yourself with moderation so it doesn’t detract from your ability to be present.

“In my experience, the moments with the ones you love will be far more remembered than any bet you win or fantasy league triumph.”

Mickeslon’s next competitive appearance comes later this week at the LIV Golf event in Chicago.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor