Rory McIlroy gives brutal reaction to Phil Mickelson’s alleged gambling exploits
Rory McIlroy provided a brutal response when asked about the excerpt of a book released alleging the extent of Phil Mickelson’s gambling issues
Rory McIlroy offered a ruthless reply when asked about the book excerpt detailing Phil Mickelson’s gambling issues.
Mickelson’s old gambling partner Billy Walters wrote in “Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk” that he wanted to bet $400,000 on America winning the 2012 Ryder Cup and his total stakes in the last three decades came to over $1 billion.
“At least he can bet on the Ryder Cup this year because he won’t be a part of it,” McIlroy said laughing at the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
Walters also alleged Mickelson placed 3,154 bets in 2011 equalling an average of nine wagers per day. He wrote the 53-year-old liked to gamble as much as anyone he’d ever met.
The six-time major champion declared he’s never bet on the Ryder Cup in a response on social media and he “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, have gotten help, have been fully committed to therapy that has positively impacted me and I feel good about where I am now,” he added in his post on X.
A handful of PGA Tour players were asked about the excerpt first released by the Fire Pit Collective at the first event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
What did other players say about Billy Walters’ Phil Mickelson gambling excerpt?
There was a mixture of responses at TPC Southwind. Mickelson’s former Ryder Cup teammate Jordan Spieth threw a little caution to the wind with his response:
“I would say people were maybe a bit surprised at the amount of – I haven’t really seen a whole lot on it.
“I just saw what some people sent me and stuff, and it was so quick this morning that even if I wanted to comment, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
Two-time major champion Collin Morikawa was also asked for his thoughts on the excerpt:
“I don’t know what the truth exactly is, but from what everyone is reporting, that’s a lot of bets per day. I don’t know how I’d be able to play.
“Look, I have no business commenting on it. I know Phil, but I don’t know Phil that well to know what his personal life was like. I don’t know Billy Walters. I have no spot on commenting.”
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Matt Chivers
Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spoken to the likes of Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell, Henrik Stenson, to name just a few.
Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.
What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.
