It’s fair to say that LIV golf has caused plenty of controversy, particularly with major names like Phil Mickelson entering it. It’s believed he took a cool $200million to take part in the series, despite being one of the stars of the PGA. But it’s believed there may be more to it than that, with his larger paycheck potentially being used to repay his large gambling debts.
Mickelson has spoken out about his problems with gambling, once claiming his problem with gambling had become “reckless and embarrassing”, seeking out addiction counselling to help what had believed to become a $40million problem.
He would often set bets with other players out on the course, but many now see him as gambling with his reputation by joining LIV, alongside the likes of Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Sergio Garcia.
Speaking in February, golfer Billy Horschell said, “Phil has been a great ambassador to the game of golf and I honestly feel he’s hurting his reputation and tarnishing his legacy a little bit.”
But, if there are elements of the move down to getting his life back on track, then it could potentially be used for good, especially if Mickelson does continue to discuss his battles with addiction.
He recently said in an interview for Sports Illustrated:
“My gambling got to a point of being reckless and embarrassing. I had to address it. And I’ve been addressing it for a number of years. And for hundreds of hours of therapy. I feel good where I’m at there. My family and I have been financially secure for some time.”
“Gambling has been part of my life ever since I can remember. But about a decade ago is when I would say it became reckless. It’s embarrassing. I don’t like that people know. The fact is I’ve been dealing with it for some time.”
Mickelson hasn’t outright said that the move to LIV was due to this, but speculation is there and if Mickelson can use it as a platform to discuss the dangers of addiction, then it may resolidify his reputation in the game and allow people to develop an understanding as to why he quit the PGA.
