Phil Mickelson, the American professional golfer, has voluntarily entered and subsequently left an addiction treatment facility in California, according to his representatives. The 56-year-old sought help to address issues related to “family trauma and addiction,” his team confirmed. Mickelson has publicly acknowledged a history of problematic gambling behavior, describing it as a “reckless” addiction.
Mickelson’s participation in the 2026 golf season has been limited, with only one tournament appearance. In March, he tied for 48th place at the LIV Golf event in South Africa. In April, he announced an extended hiatus, citing the need to support his family through a challenging personal health matter.
Earlier in the year, Mickelson faced allegations of inappropriate conduct. Reports emerged in June that he had been expelled from three golf clubs due to misconduct involving women. One specific claim included an incident where Mickelson allegedly showed a nude photograph while propositioning the ex-wife of another golfer. Additionally, Golf Digest reported that Mickelson lost his membership at The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, following accusations of nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact with a female club employee. Mickelson’s representatives have denied all allegations. They characterized the reports as a “drive-by shooting” based on anonymous sources, asserting that these narratives prioritize sensationalism over accuracy.
Mickelson was a notable figure in the 2022 wave of players departing the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf. Despite high expectations, he did not secure any victories on the LIV Golf circuit. The league itself faces an uncertain future after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew financial support. Over his career, Mickelson has amassed 45 PGA Tour wins, including six major championships: the Masters Tournament in 2004, 2006, and 2010; the PGA Championship in 2005 and 2021; and the Open Championship in 2013.
