A representative told TMZ Sports that Phil Mickelson entered a treatment facility addressing addiction and family trauma. The 56-year-old golf star has since left the center, though the specific nature of his treatment remains unclear. This news follows months of absence from competitive golf, including a withdrawal from the Masters in April.
The six-time major champion played just one LIV Golf event this year, which took place in South Africa back in March. His representative confirmed the visit to PEOPLE on Wednesday, September 30, noting that Mickelson is no longer at the facility. TMZ Sports broke the story first, reporting that the golfer sought care voluntarily.
Why He Missed the Masters
Mickelson stepped away from the game earlier this year to handle a private family health matter. In a statement posted on April 2, he explained his absence from the Masters Tournament and other events. He wrote that he would be out for “an extended period of time as my family continues to navigate a personal health matter.”
This was not the first time he had to step back. He missed the first two LIV Golf events of the year as well. In February, he told fans, “I will not be able to participate in the first two LIV Events as Amy and I need to be present for a family health matter.” His wife, Amy, has been a key support system during these difficult times.
The Shadow of Past Struggles
Golf fans know that Mickelson has been open about his battle with gambling in the past. He admitted in 2023 that his gambling had become “reckless and embarrassing.” He credited his wife with helping him through that recovery and said he had spent hundreds of hours in therapy to fix the harm caused.
During his recovery, he often heard people say, “You’re here but you’re not with us.” That feeling of being disconnected is a common symptom of addiction. His representative now says his priority is clear. They stated, “Mr. Mickelson’s priority is to become the husband, father, and man his family deserves.”
It is not clear if his recent treatment for family trauma and addiction is linked to his gambling history. The representative did not confirm any connection between the two issues when speaking to reporters.
Allegations and Club Bans
Off the course, Mickelson has faced serious accusations regarding his conduct at private clubs. Golf Digest stated in June that he had ceased his membership at The Farms Golf Club near San Diego. A female employee there alleged he made inappropriate physical contact with her.
The club confirmed he was told to leave. His lawyer, Tom Clare, said the golfer had resigned. Clare also told Golf Digest that some claims were false while others were mistakes Mickelson had already addressed. The lawyer added that “Phil’s full attention is devoted to a private family health matter.”
Another report from Skratch in June listed nearly 20 witnesses who accused him of inappropriate behavior at two other clubs. His team dismissed these as a mix of falsehoods and past incidents. They argued that no one can tell the full story of his life and struggles.
The LIV Golf league itself faces uncertainty as it seeks new funding after Saudi Arabia pulled support. Mickelson is still expected to play next season, but his return date remains unknown. His focus right now is on his family and his own well-being. As his representative put it, his family’s private matters are not for the public to judge.
