It’s a well-known fact that in the entire golf fraternity, the most controversial and the most outspoken golfer who is never afraid to speak his mind and doesn’t censor his thoughts is Phil Mickelson. Phil Mickelson joined the Saudi-backed LIV golf league in 2022.

Since then he has also been caught up in a major betting scandal. Accusations were that he bet and lost close to $90 million in gambling. The seriousness of the allegation also extends to the 2012 Ryder Cup. Several golfers have taken jabs at Lefty for his gambling addiction, Rory McIlroy in particular.

Phil Mickelson’s Controversial Betting History And Rory’s Jib At It

This year Phil Mickelson could not make it to the Ryder Cup as he was low on the Ryder Cup rankings and did not get picked in the captain’s pick either. However, he did receive a subtle attack in the wake of the betting allegations.

Rory McIlroy, the PGA Tour loyalist, did not hesitate when he was asked his thoughts on Phil Mickelson and he said: “At least he can bet on the Ryder Cup this year because he won’t be a part of it.”

The reason for Lefty’s betting addiction definitely is not the dearth of money as he has surmounted exponential wealth all these years. After he joined the LIV golf league, he got $200m and the contract is valid till 2025.

In June 2023, Mickelson claimed that he was close to being a billionaire. He wrote on Twitter; “Haven’t gambled in years. Almost a billionaire now.” He currently is worth $875 Million.

Phil Mickelson’s past Ryder Cup Record

Certainly, the taunt made by Rory McIlroy appears not to bother the 6-time major winner. It should not. He is not some ordinary golfer. He is one of the legends and his net worth, close to a billion dollars, can’t be discounted, either. Be that as it may, this year he will not be battling it out for the honour of this country at Rome.

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Interestingly enough, Phil Mickelson holds the record for maximum Ryder Cup appearances. He has played over 47 Ryder Cup matches in the span of 12 Ryder Cup appearances.

The legendary Ryder Cup player has scored 18-22-7 at the Ryder Cup, with singles of 8-6-1, foursomes of 5-8-4 and four-balls of 8-8-2 under his belt. Clearly, having such an experienced and skilled Ryder Cup player would have been an advantage for Team US. But in the middle of all the gambling allegations, it would’ve been impossible to give him a Captain’s spot. His form of late hasn’t been great either.

However, with respect to the 2012 controversy, he did clear out a small misunderstanding; he said he would never bet on the Ryder Cup while also mentioning that he enjoys a friendly wager but could not even dream of compromising the integrity of the game that he loves.

What are your thoughts about Phil Mickelson’s gambling? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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