There are few more synonymous names in the world of golf than Phil Mickelson. The 53-year-old has been a big player in the sport throughout his career, winning some of the world’s most prestigious events.
However, the American hasn’t been one to shy away from the limelight, with some controversial stories involving the golfer making the headlines throughout history.
One of the biggest came in 2022, as it was revealed that Mickelson would be turning his back on the PGA Tour after being a member for 30 years to take the millions offered by the Saudi-backed LIV Tour.
Rumored To Have Wagered $1 Billion
Phil Mickelson has once again hit the headlines with the release of Bill Walters’ book, titled ‘Gambler: Secrets From a Life of Risk.’
Several quotes from the book have taken fans of the sport by surprise. Walters, a convicted felon, claimed that Phil Mickelson has placed bets exceeding $1 billion on sporting events throughout his life.
This revelation left sports betting fans at leading online bookmakers and the best online casinos in sheer disbelief, given the colossal sum of Mickelson’s wagers.
According to Walters, Mickelson regularly placed bets exceeding $100,000 on NFL, basketball, and baseball games, although he wasn’t the most successful bettor, having lost nearly $100 million. Walters’ book reveals that in 2011, Mickelson allegedly made over 3,000 bets, averaging nearly nine wagers daily.
The book explains that the duo first met during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and soon hit it off. It is claimed that within two years, the two were involved in a gambling partnership that would late for five years.
The book claims that the partnership would see both combine for joint bets on sports, with Mickelson able to make larger stakes due to his reputation of not being the biggest bettor.
Ryder Cup Bet
One of the most shocking revelations in the book was that Mickelson attempted to bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup.
However, Walters admitted to wanting no part of the wager. The book claims that the golf star called Walters in late September while at Medinah Country Club, wishing to put a bet on the American team beating Europe.
However, Walters was left uncomfortable at the request by the golfer, who was looking to make a $400,000 wager on his confident selection.
Walters admitted that he didn’t want any part in this bet, as he recalled that Pete Rose was banned from baseball after betting on his own team. He also revealed reservations surrounding Mickelson’s position in the sport, as he could have lost his excellent reputation if the news of the bet had been leaked to the press.
In the book, Walters admitted that he didn’t know whether Mickelson managed to make the bet. Still, it would have been a losing selection after Europe produced a stunning late comeback to claim victory. The legendary golfer has responded to this story and vigorously denies that he attempted to bet on the Ryder Cup.
Phil Mickelson’s Golf Career
Few golfers have achieved greater success than Mickelson, who oversaw more than 50 professional events and six major championships in his career. His first major success was achieved in 2004 when he won the Masters.
That would be the first of three Masters titles he would land between 2004 and 2010. Further major success would come from the Open in 2013, while he landed the first of two PGA Championship victories in 2005.
He would also make history by winning the event for the second time in 2021, becoming the oldest major winner in history at the age of 50. Nicknamed Lefty, as he plays left-handed, Mickelson is one of 17 professional players to have won three of the four majors, with the U.S. Open the only tournament he hasn’t won.
However, Mickelson has finished as the runner-up in that event on a record six occasions. His continued success on the PGA Tour saw him rank in the top 50 players for 25 straight years, while he was also in the top ten for over 700 weeks.
Final Thoughts
Phil Mickelson has undoubtedly etched his name into golf history with a distinguished career. However, his revered legacy has faced scrutiny in light of the revelations in Walters’s book. It’s important to note that, as of now, there is no concrete evidence to substantiate any of the claims made in the book.
