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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