Golf is a gentleman’s sport of precision, stamina and self-control. But even in this noble sport, some stories stun the imagination. One of them is the story of Phil Mickelson, a legendary golfer whose career was marred by a gambling addiction.

Mickelson was for many years considered one of the best golfers in the world. A six-time Grand Slam winner, he delighted fans with his technique and composure on the course. But few people knew that outside the golf course, Phil led a very different life – the life of a gambler, ready to risk millions of dollars for the thrill.

Rise to the top of golf

Phil Mickelson’s career in professional golf started brilliantly. In the early 1990s, he became a rising star, winning tournament after tournament. His left-handed swing became an actual calling card, and his ability to escape difficult situations earned him the nickname “Phil the Wizard”.

Mickelson’s career peaked in the 2000s. During that decade, he won three Masters Tournaments, two PGA Championships, and one Open Championship. Phil became a true golf legend, role model, and public favourite. Nothing could overshadow his success.

The dark side of success

Behind the facade of brilliant victories was another side of Mickelson’s life. Gradually, golfers have become more and more deeply immersed in the world of gambling. His hobby grew into a real obsession, starting with harmless betting on sports.

Indeed, many readers will understand the famous athlete, especially nowadays, when everyone can bet from the comfort of their phones.

Online betting has popularized many sports. Apart from golf, cricket has also become popular. Search statistics show a substantial growth in betting on IPL and other cricket leagues. The app review sites of leading bookmakers also evidence this. If you explore the largest source of this information, https://iplbettingapps.net/, you will find many bookmaking apps for cricket betting. Among them are quite a few well-known international brands with millions of customers.

It is not known whether Mickelson himself used online betting. But such accessibility of betting could certainly make his life more difficult. After all, resisting the temptation to bet has become much more complicated.

By Mickelson’s admission, over the years of his “gambling career”, he has put more than a billion dollars on the line. This figure is shocking even against the background of multi-million dollar prizes in professional golf. Phil bet on everything from soccer games to the results of political elections. Excitement overshadowed reason, forcing him to risk ever more significant sums.

Recognition and struggle with addiction

For many years, Mickelson hid his addiction from the public and even loved ones. It wasn’t until 2022, after the release of his biography written by Alan Shipnuck, that the truth began to come out. The book revealed shocking details of the golfer’s gambling obsession, including an attempt to bet $400,000 on the Ryder Cup, a tournament in which he participated.

Mickelson’s confession was a turning point. The golfer realized he had crossed the line between passion and addiction. With the help of his family, especially his wife Amy, Phil began his battle with gambling addiction. He underwent treatment and gave up betting altogether, focusing on rebuilding relationships with loved ones.

Phil Mickelson’s story is a vivid example of how even the most successful people can fall prey to addiction. His journey from the top of the sport through the abyss of gambling to realization and healing serves as a cautionary tale for many. Today, Mickelson speaks openly about his experience, hoping to help others not make similar mistakes.