CNN –
Phil Mickelson opened up about his gambling addiction, saying Monday it was like a “hurricane” that “caused a lot of damage” in his life.
Mickelson, who has previously spoken about his struggles with sports gambling, posted on X – formerly known as Twitter – about his journey with his addiction ahead of the start of the NFL season.
“Most of you will enjoy this football season in moderation with plenty of fun and entertainment,” the six-time major winner wrote. “The fantasy leagues will provide jokes among friends and winning or losing money bets will have no impact on you.”
Mickelson explained that he decided not to bet on the NFL this season because of how it previously impacted his life and relationships. He described the problem as moderation sliding into an addiction, “which is no fun at all.”
“Money was never the problem as our financial security was never in jeopardy, but I was so distracted that I couldn’t be with those I love and caused a lot of damage,” Mickelson added.
“This lack of presence was so hurtful. “You are here, but you are not with us,” I was told many times throughout the course of my addiction. It affected those I care about in ways I wasn’t aware of or couldn’t fully understand. It’s like there’s a hurricane raging outside and I’m sitting isolated in a shelter oblivious to what’s happening. When I came out there was so much damage to clean up that I just wanted to go back in and not deal with it.”
The 53-year-old particularly paid tribute to his wife Amy for helping him through his “darkest and most difficult times”.
“I wouldn’t have gotten through this without her,” he said. “I am so grateful for her strength in helping us overcome the many challenges I have created for us. Thanks to their love, support and commitment, I am back on the path to being the person I want to be.”
Last month, Mickelson denied claims that he was considering betting on the 2012 Ryder Cup – in which he competed.
According to a book published by professional gambler Billy Walters, Walters claims that Mickelson’s gambling losses totaled nearly $100 million and he “wagered a total of more than $1 billion over the past three decades.” Walters also claims that he made over 7,000 bets between 2010 and 2014.
CNN has not been able to independently verify these claims. Mickelson denied claims that he attempted to bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup.
“While it is well known that I am always happy to make a friendly bet on the pitch, I would never undermine the integrity of the game,” he wrote on X.
In his post on Monday, Mickelson said that thanks to the professional help he has received over the years for his addiction, he is “now able to sit still, be present in the moment and live each day with inner peace and To live in peace.”
“I still have a lot to clean up with the ones I love the most, but I’m doing it slowly and as best I can,” he added.
Mickelson continued to pass on his advice to others who may be struggling with gambling problems.
“This football season and beyond, enjoy yourself with moderation so your ability to be present is not compromised,” he said. “In my experience, the moments with the people you love will be remembered far more than any bet won or fantasy league triumph.”
Mickelson did not qualify for the U.S. team that will face Europe at the Ryder Cup in Rome later this month, nor was he selected as captain by Zach Johnson.
Mickelson was one of golf’s first superstars to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour in 2022, causing controversy at the time after he chose to join the breakaway company rather than the PGA Tour and DP World Tour to stay.