BEDMINSTER, N.J. — Just as Phil Mickelson was beginning his pro-am round for LIV Golf’s event this week at Trump National Bedminster, a juicy excerpt from a new book written by gambler Billy Walters was released by Golf Digest and the Fire Pit Collective.
Walters, a former gambling partner of Mickelson’s, claimed the 53-year-old Lefty made tens of thousands of six-figure bets and also alleged Mickelson called him from the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club near Chicago and asked him to place a $400,000 wager for him on the U.S. team, of which he was one of 12 members, to win.
After a nine-hole pro-am Thursday, Mickelson was asked for comment on the allegations in the excerpt and declined, saying “I’m gonna pass today. We’ll talk later.”
Later in the evening, Mickelson sent a statement to Golf Digest’s Evin Priest and said the following:
I never bet on the Ryder Cup. While it is well known that I always enjoy a friendly wager on the course, I 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 beenf ully committeed to therapy that has positively impacted me and I feel good about where I am now.
Walters was once regarded as one of the most successful sports bettors in the country. He was sentenced to five years in prison for conspiring to commit insider trading from at least 2008 through 2014, was convicted on all 10 counts against him, fined $10 million and sentenced to five years in prison in 2017.
His book, which also goes into greater detail on the insider trading charges related to Dean Foods that sent him to jail, will be released on Aug. 22. Mickelson was a relief defendant in the civil suit, and agreed to pay back $1.03 million, including profit and interest.
Contributing: Adam Schupak, Golfweek