Phil Mickelson has taken to X to write a lengthy post on the dangers of gambling after suffering from the addiction himself. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
“Crossed the line”
Phil Mickelson has opened up about his “hurtful” experience with gambling in a lengthy social media post warning others about the dangers.
I crossed the line of moderation and into addiction which isn't any fun at all.”
On Monday, the professional golfer said on X that while many sports fans will be enjoying the football season with moderation where bets are won and lost, he wouldn't be participating. The six-time major winner said: “I won't be betting this year because I crossed the line of moderation and into addiction which isn't any fun at all.”
The 53-year-old added that it was never about the money as his family's financial security was never at risk, but he pointed out that he was so distracted by his gambling addiction that he was never present with his loved ones. As a result, he said he “caused a lot of harm.”
“It's like a hurricane”
In his post on X, Mickelson said that he was so far into his gambling that he didn't realize the destruction he was leaving around him. According to him, it was like “a hurricane” was going on outside and he was “isolated in a shelter oblivious to what was happening.”
He said: “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.”
According to an autobiography by betting man Billy Walters, Mickelson gambled close to $1bn over the past three decades. This figure supposedly includes a $400,000 bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup, which Mickelson denies. Walters believes that Mickelson's losses amount to around $100m.
Mickelson points to his partner Amy as helping him get the help he needed, adding that she supported him during his “darkest and most difficult times.” He went on to say that because of her love and commitment, he's back on track to being the person he wants to be.
Social media trolls
In June, the pro golfer hit back at trolls who mocked his gambling past.
It started with Golf Channel analyst Eamon Lynch labeling Mickelson as “shameless pawn” for the Saudi regime for agreeing to his LIV Golf deal reportedly worth approximately $200m. Mickelson hit back by saying that Lynch had an obsession with him and “requires professional help.”
Haven't gambled in years. Almost a billionaire now. Thanks for asking.”
Using the professional help context, another X user asked how Mickelson's gambling addiction was going. To which he responded: “Haven't gambled in years. Almost a billionaire now. Thanks for asking.”
Another claimed that Mickelson was talking rubbish, referencing bets made during practice and casual rounds. The pro golfer admitted that betting was involved in the games to create competition, but that it was capped at $1,000.
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