Challenges Faced by Phil Mickelson: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Phil Mickelson's life and career.

Phil Mickelson, nicknamed "Lefty," is a highly accomplished American professional golfer celebrated for his impressive career, including 45 PGA Tour wins and six major championships. These include three Masters titles, two PGA Championships, and one Open Championship. Notably, he became the oldest major championship winner at the 2021 PGA Championship. Mickelson currently plays in the LIV Golf League, continuing his presence in professional golf.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1997: Missed Cut at the Masters

In 1997, Phil Mickelson missed the cut at the Masters for the first time since 1997.

2003: Labeled Best Player Never to Win a Major

By the end of the 2003 season, Mickelson was frequently described as the "best player never to win a major" due to his inability to secure a major win despite numerous top-ten finishes.

2008: Start of insider trading

In 2008, Billy Walters began making $40 million on private information from Dean Foods, which lasted until 2014. In 2017, Walters was convicted of making $40 million on Davis's private information from 2008 to 2014 by a federal jury.

2009: Returns to PGA Tour and Finishes Runner-Up at U.S. Open

In June 2009, Mickelson returned to the PGA Tour after hearing his wife's cancer was detected early. He finished runner-up at the U.S. Open for the fifth time.

2009: Wife's Breast Cancer Diagnosis

In May 2009, Mickelson's wife, Amy, was diagnosed with breast cancer, leading him to suspend his PGA Tour schedule.

2010: U.S. Open and World Ranking Pursuit

In 2010, Phil Mickelson, a favorite for the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, finished T4 after shooting 75 and 66 on Thursday and Friday, then 73 on both Saturday and Sunday. Throughout the 2010 season, Mickelson had opportunities to become world number one, but disappointing finishes allowed Lee Westwood to claim the top spot.

2011: Farmers Insurance Open

In 2011, Phil Mickelson started his season at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course. He was tied for the 54 hole lead with Bill Haas. Mickelson needed to hole out on the 18th hole for eagle from 74 yards to force a playoff with Bubba Watson, but Watson won the tournament.

2012: Challenges and Mixed Results in 2012

In 2012, Phil Mickelson faced challenges, including a withdrawal from the Memorial Tournament citing mental fatigue, and missed cuts at the Greenbrier Classic and Open Championship. He also achieved a T-7th finish at the HP Byron Nelson Championship and a T-43rd at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

2012: Trades in Dean Foods

In 2012, Phil Mickelson was allegedly involved in trades in Dean Foods in conjunction with confidential information provided by Thomas Davis, a former director of Dean Foods Company. On May 19, 2016, Mickelson was named as a relief defendant in an SEC complaint.

2013: 2013 Season Start

In January 2013, Phil Mickelson began the season by playing in the Humana Challenge, where he finished T37. His next event was the following week in his home event near San Diego at the Farmers Insurance Open. Mickelson finished T51.

May 30, 2014: Investigation for insider trading

On May 30, 2014, The Wall Street Journal reported that the FBI and SEC were investigating Phil Mickelson for insider trading in Clorox and Dean Foods stock.

2014: End of insider trading

In 2014, Billy Walters ended making $40 million on private information from Dean Foods, which started in 2008. In 2017, Walters was convicted of making $40 million on Davis's private information from 2008 to 2014 by a federal jury.

May 19, 2016: Named as a relief defendant in SEC complaint

On May 19, 2016, Phil Mickelson was named as a relief defendant in an SEC complaint alleging insider trading but avoided criminal charges. The action was related to trades in Dean Foods in 2012.

2016: Fall of 2016

In the fall of 2016, Phil Mickelson had two sports hernia surgeries. He triumphantly returned at the CareerBuilder Challenge, leading to a T-21 finish. The next week, in San Diego, he narrowly missed an eagle putt on the 18th hole. The following week, at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, he surged into contention following a Saturday 65. He faltered with a final round 71, still earning a T-16 finish.

2017: Walters convicted of insider trading

In 2017, Billy Walters was convicted of making $40 million on private information from Dean Foods from 2008 to 2014. It was noted that Phil Mickelson owed nearly $2 million in gambling debts to Walters.

2018: Controversial Incident at the U.S. Open

During the third round of the 2018 U.S. Open, Phil Mickelson received a two-stroke penalty for hitting his ball while it was still moving, resulting in an 81 (+11) score. His former coach Butch Harmon thought Mickelson should have been disqualified.

2018: 2018 Ryder Cup

In 2018, Phil Mickelson was a captain's pick for Team USA at the Ryder Cup in Paris. Paired with Bryson DeChambeau in the Friday afternoon foursomes, they lost to Sergio García and Alex Norén. In the Sunday singles match, Mickelson lost to Francesco Molinari, as Team USA suffered a defeat.