Once again, Phil Mickelson found himself in the middle of another controversy last week, this time over an excerpt from an upcoming book about his gambling past.
Billy Walters, a noted gambler and friend of Mickelson, wrote in his soon-to-be-released “Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk” that Mickelson tried to bet on the 2012 Ryder Cupan event he played in.
Left refuted the story on Twitterwrites “I have never bet on the Ryder Cup. Although it is well known that I always enjoy a friendly bet 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, got help, been fully committed to therapy that has impacted me positively, and I feel good about where I am now.”
Lanny Wadkins, the 1995 U.S. Ryder Cup captain and 1977 PGA Championship winner, joined the Golf Channel on Monday and was asked about the recent allegations against Mickelson by Golfweek columnist and Golf Today host Eamon Lynch.
“Very disturbing. I don’t know if there’s ever been a more disappointing figure in golf than Phil Mickelson,” Wadkins said, “after seeing what’s happened to him over the last 10 years. He was the beloved figure for a long time. We all marveled at the way he could play. But nothing seems kosher about what he’s doing these days.”
Referring to the Ryder Cup, Wadkins said: “He probably would have been captain twice. Now he won’t be in. It’s a real shame. He’s really self-imploded and he just keeps doing it every time.
“It’s disappointing and sad. It’s sad that we have people in our game who think they’re bigger than the game, and obviously Phil thinks he’s bigger.”
Mickelson, who last played for Team USA in 2018, earned his second top-10 finish of his LIV Golf career — 18 events — last week in Bedminster (T-9).