Phil Mickelson at 55: Still Chasing Golf History
Born June 16, 1970, Phil Mickelson remains one of golf’s most captivating figures. In 2023, at age 52, he shocked the world with a T2 finish at The Masters, just two shots behind Jon Rahm—becoming the oldest top-3 finisher in the tournament’s history.
This came just two years after his legendary 2021 PGA Championship win, where he became the oldest major champion ever at age 50. Mickelson’s career continues to defy age, logic, and even controversy.
Career Highlights:
- First PGA Tour win while still at Arizona State (1991 Northern Telecom Open)
- Three Masters victories: 2004, 2006, 2010
- Six U.S. Open runner-up finishes: Cementing his “best player never to win a U.S. Open” tag
- 45 PGA Tour wins and 6 Majors
$300M Net Worth: LIV Golf, Gambling Losses & Business Bets
Mickelson’s financial narrative is as layered as his short game. He has a reported net worth of $300 million, built through a mix of prize money, endorsements, investments—and a headline-making LIV Golf deal.
| Revenue Stream | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| LIV Golf Signing Bonus | $200M (guaranteed) | Joined Saudi-funded LIV in 2022, facing PGA suspension |
| Career Winnings | $115M+ | 45 PGA Tour wins, multiple majors |
| Sponsorships | $700M+ at peak | Callaway, Rolex, previously KPMG, Amgen |
| Investments | $100M+ portfolio | Restaurants (Five Guys), golf courses, crypto ventures |
But the wealth came at a cost. Between 2010 and 2014, Mickelson reportedly lost over $40 million gambling. He later admitted to therapy and behavioral change following an intervention by his wife, Amy.
Amy Mickelson: The Quiet Strength Behind the Golfer
Married since 1996, Amy Mickelson has been a stabilizing force in Phil’s life—through triumph and turbulence.
- 2009: Amy’s breast cancer diagnosis led Phil to temporarily step away from golf.
- 2010 Masters: An emotional victory, Phil carried Amy’s hospital notes in his yardage book.
- Parenting: Daughters Amanda, Sophia, and son Evan have been seen walking courses and caddying at practice rounds.
- Charity Work: Their Birdies for the Brave initiative has raised over $50M for military families.
Augusta Magic: Phil Mickelson’s Greatest Masters Moments
Augusta National has been the stage for Mickelson’s most iconic highlights:
- 2004: Sinks 18-foot birdie on the final hole to win his first major.
- 2006: Nails a 6-iron through trees on hole 13—”the gutsiest shot in Masters history.”
- 2010: Wins while Amy is undergoing chemotherapy; emotional hug behind the 18th green becomes a timeless image.
Still, the U.S. Open continues to haunt him. As he once joked:
“I’m 0-for-6 in being my national champion. I might need a shrink.”
LIV Golf & Phil Mickelson: Controversy Meets Redemption
In 2022, Mickelson became the face of LIV Golf’s revolt against the PGA Tour.
Why It Shocked the Golf World:
- $200M signing bonus from LIV Golf
- PGA Tour suspension for “disruptive conduct” after recruiting other players
- Sportswashing accusations: He called Saudi backers “scary motherfuckers” yet still joined
- Sponsor fallout: Lost long-time deals with KPMG and Workday
But Mickelson turned controversy into capital, launching Mickelson Private Golf, a luxury golf course redesign company in Arizona.
His 2023 Masters runner-up finish showed LIV golfers could still compete—and Lefty still had game.
Legacy in Motion: The Grand Slam Dream
Phil Mickelson’s story is a paradox of brilliance and baggage:
- The Genius: One of the most creative shotmakers ever.
- The Ghosts: Gambling scandals, LIV backlash, and insider trading probes (2014).
- The Final Quest: At 55, Mickelson is still chasing the Career Grand Slam—needing only a U.S. Open win to join golf immortals.
As he told Golf Digest:
“I’ve made mistakes that hurt people. But every day I fight to be better. That’s the only shot you get.”
FAQ: Phil Mickelson in 2025
Q: Why did Phil Mickelson leave the PGA Tour?
A: He joined LIV Golf for a reported $200M, citing frustration with the PGA and a need for “leverage.”
Q: How much has Mickelson lost gambling?
A: Reports indicate over $40 million in losses between 2010 and 2014.
Q: Has Mickelson ever won the U.S. Open?
A: No—he’s finished runner-up six times, the most in tournament history.
Q: What is Mickelson doing now?
A: Competing in select majors, running Mickelson Private Golf, and continuing his Grand Slam pursuit.
Final Word: The Shotmaker, the Scandal, the Story Still Unwritten
Phil Mickelson’s legacy stretches from green jackets to greenbacks—from Augusta euphoria to Saudi scrutiny. He’s golf’s greatest contradiction: a $300M icon both tarnished and triumphant.
Whether he ever wins the U.S. Open or not, Lefty has already changed the game forever.
By Jess Klintan
Jess Klintan, Editor in Chief and writer here on Sportsrater.co.uk Email: sportsrater5@gmail.com