Phil Mickelson is one of the best golfers of all time, with more than 50 title wins worldwide, including 6 majors. While the golf world respects him for being an incredible golfer, the fans love him for being the most friendly golfer on the Tour. He always makes sure to brighten up the fans’ mood with his easy-going personality. 

However, he proved that even one of the most approachable golfers could be aggressive during the 2021 Rocket Mortgage Classic.

“I don’t see me coming back,” Mickelson had said then. “Not that I don’t love the people here and they haven’t been great, but not with that type of … thing happening.” 

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What made Phil Mickelson take such a big decision?

Mickelson was playing in the 2021 Rocket Mortgage Classic at the Detroit Golf Club when a local news media published an article linking him to an alleged mob bookie in a 2007 trial. According to the newspaper, the bookie allegedly cheated Mickelson out of $500,000. 

Furthermore, Rob Snells, the reporter who published the report, claimed that he acquired the federal report of the case, and the golfer’s incident is part of it. Notably, the incident in question took place more than 20 years ago, and the reporter made news out of it in 2021 as Mickelson was playing in an event there. This made the golfer lose his calm. 

“Took place 23 years ago. Had I not come here to Detroit it wouldn’t have run,” Mickelson said addressing the matter during the tournament. “My mistake making the effort to be here and have my foundation look into ways to help the local community,” he further added. “Didn’t even think of the opportunistic Rob Snells (reporter) in the area would try and take advantage.” 

Read More: When Phil Mickelson Named His ‘3 Biggest Professional Regrets’

Furthermore, the 2021 PGA Championship winner explained how he lost interest in going back to Detroit and playing there. 

Did Mickelson finish playing all the rounds of the 2021 Rocket Mortgage Classic? 

The news broke out while Mickelson was playing in the 2021 Rocket Mortgage Classic. Even though he announced that he wouldn’t play in Detroit ever again, he didn’t withdraw from the Classic. 

Mickelson made an overall score of 3-under 285 from the event and finished at T74. Notably, Cam Davis won the title in a playoff with Troy Merritt and Joaquin Niemann. They scored 18-under after four rounds. 

Do you support Mickelson’s decision to never play in the city again? Let us know your take on it in the comment section below:

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