Why Mickelson Is Joining the Super Golf League: "Lost 51 Billion Won Gambling?"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Because of money."

The claim has emerged that Phil Mickelson (USA, photo), the 'oldest major champion,' lost a staggering 40 million dollars (51 billion won) due to gambling. On the 6th (Korean time), journalist Allen Shipnuck released a summary ahead of the publication of his biography of Mickelson. The core issue is Mickelson's severe financial crisis from 2010 to 2014. At that time, he was involved in the Billy Walters insider trading scandal in Las Vegas, USA, and underwent intense investigation.

Shipnuck examined a U.S. government audit report that thoroughly analyzed Mickelson's finances during this period. Shipnuck claims, "The breakup between Mickelson and caddie Jim Mackay, who worked together for 25 years including five major wins and a total of 42 PGA Tour victories, was also due to money issues." He revealed, "Although the two explained their 2017 split as being for each other's benefit, the truth is Mickelson delayed paying Mackay millions of dollars owed."

Mickelson has recently been suffering backlash for supporting the newly launched Saudi Arabia-led Super Golf League (SGL), which opposes the PGA Tour. He stated, "The PGA Tour is too greedy," and "SGL will be an opportunity for players to be treated better." In response, the PGA Tour threatened, "Players who join the LIV Series will be expelled." Mickelson himself said he would "reflect" and did not participate in the Masters in April.

The 'LIV Golf Invitational Series,' also known as SGL, divides 48 players into 12 teams through a draft system and conducts 54-hole, 3-round matches without a cut-off. Each tournament offers a total prize of 25 million dollars (31.9 billion won), including 20 million dollars (2.55 billion won) for individual competition and 5 million dollars (640 million won) for team competition ? truly a 'money festival.' It is interesting that Mickelson requested approval to participate in the LIV Series opening event held on June 9 at the Wentworth Centurion Golf Club in England.

Players affiliated with the PGA Tour must request approval from the office at least 45 days before the start of a tournament if they wish to participate in events not organized or co-organized by the PGA Tour. There are rumors that Mickelson has already received 30 million dollars (3.83 billion won) as a condition for joining the LIV Series. The U.S. Golf Channel criticized, "The reason Mickelson chooses money over honor by siding with Saudi Arabia instead of the PGA Tour is precisely because of gambling."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.