Challenges Faced by Phil Mickelson: Obstacles and Turning Points

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

Philip Alfred Mickelson, known as Phil Mickelson and nicknamed "Lefty," is a highly accomplished American professional golfer currently playing in the LIV Golf League. He has secured 45 PGA Tour victories, highlighted by six major championships: three Masters titles, two PGA Championships, and one Open Championship. Notably, Mickelson became the oldest major championship winner at the 2021 PGA Championship at 50 years old. He is renowned for his left-handed playing style.

Sections (5)

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

1997: First Time Missing Cut at Masters

In 1997, Phil Mickelson missed the cut at the Masters for the first time since 1997. He also failed to contend at the U.S. Open.

2010: U.S. Open and World Ranking

In 2010, Phil Mickelson finished T4 at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. Despite having opportunities to become the world's number one player following Tiger Woods' issues, a series of disappointing finishes led to Lee Westwood taking 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 lead after 54 holes, but Bubba Watson won the tournament. Mickelson needed to hole out on the 18th hole for eagle from 74 yards to force a playoff.

2012: Mickelson trades in Dean Foods stock

In 2012, Mickelson traded in Dean Foods stock based on confidential information provided by Thomas Davis, a former director of Dean Foods Company, and profited more than $931,000.

2012: Mixed Results and Withdrawal

In 2012, Phil Mickelson faced mixed results, including a T-7th finish at the HP Byron Nelson Championship followed by a withdrawal from the Memorial Tournament due to mental fatigue. He also played in the U.S. Open where he finished T-65th.

2013: Seeking to End Winless Drought

In 2016, at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, it was mentioned that Phil Mickelson was seeking to end a winless drought dating back to the 2013 Open Championship.

May 30, 2014: FBI and SEC investigate Mickelson

On May 30, 2014, The Wall Street Journal reported that the FBI and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) were investigating Phil Mickelson and his associates for insider trading in Clorox and Dean Foods stock.

May 19, 2016: Mickelson named as relief defendant in SEC complaint

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

2016: Sports Hernia Surgeries and Return

In the fall of 2016, Phil Mickelson underwent two sports hernia surgeries. His unexpected return at the CareerBuilder Challenge led to a T-21 finish. He continued with consistent performances, including a T14 finish at the Farmers Insurance Open and a T-16 finish at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

2017: Walters convicted of insider trading, Mickelson fined

In 2017, Billy Walters was convicted of insider trading, and Phil Mickelson was fined by the SEC the equivalent of his $931,000 profit from trading Dean Foods stock, plus $105,000 in interest.

2018: Ryder Cup Performance

In 2018, Phil Mickelson was a captain's pick for Team USA at the Ryder Cup. He lost his matches, and Team USA was defeated by Europe with a score of 17.5 to 10.5.

2018: Controversial Incident at U.S. Open

In the third round of the 2018 U.S. Open, Phil Mickelson incurred a two-stroke penalty for intentionally hitting his ball while it was still moving. He ultimately shot an 81 (+11) for the round.

August 2020: Mickelson eliminated from FedEx Cup Playoffs

In August 2020, Phil Mickelson was eliminated from the FedEx Cup Playoffs following The Northern Trust at TPC Boston.

February 2021: Mickelson finishes T-20 at Cologuard Classic

In February 2021, Phil Mickelson finished in a T-20 position at the Cologuard Classic, with a score of 4 under par, falling short of becoming the first player in PGA Tour Champions history to win his first three tournaments on tour.

June 9, 2022: PGA Tour suspends Mickelson for playing in LIV Golf event

On June 9, 2022, the first day of the LIV Golf Invitational London, the PGA Tour suspended Phil Mickelson and 16 other current and former tour members for participating in a conflicting event without permission from the tour.

2022: Mickelson loses sponsors after LIV Golf comments

In 2022, Phil Mickelson lost sponsors including KPMG, Amstel Light, and Workday after making controversial comments about the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league and Saudi Arabia's human rights record.