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, nicknamed "Lefty", is a highly accomplished American professional golfer currently competing in the LIV Golf League. He boasts 45 PGA Tour victories, including six major championships: three Masters, two PGA Championships, and one Open Championship. Notably, he became the oldest major championship winner at the 2021 PGA Championship at age 50. Mickelson is known for his aggressive playing style and popularity among fans.

Sections (5)

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

2003: Labelled "Best Player Never to Win a Major"

By the end of the 2003 season, despite many top-ten finishes, Phil Mickelson's inability to win a major led to him being described as the "best player never to win a major".

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

In June 2009, Phil Mickelson returned to the PGA Tour at the St. Jude Classic and U.S. Open. He finished runner-up at the 2009 U.S. Open, his fifth time finishing second at the U.S. Open.

2009: Wife's Breast Cancer Diagnosis

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

2010: Diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis

After being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in 2010, Phil Mickelson was treated with Enbrel and began endorsing the drug.

2012: Mixed Results and Withdrawals

In 2012, Mickelson finished T-7th at the HP Byron Nelson Championship but withdrew from the Memorial Tournament due to mental fatigue. He finished T-65th at the U.S. Open and had missed cuts at the Greenbrier Classic and Open Championship.

2012: Trades in Dean Foods

In 2012, Mickelson was investigated for trades in Dean Foods from which he profited more than $931,000.

May 30, 2014: FBI and SEC Investigated Mickelson for Insider Trading

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 associates for insider trading in Clorox and Dean Foods stock.

May 19, 2016: Named as Relief Defendant in SEC Complaint

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

2016: Sports Hernia Surgeries and Return

In the fall of 2016, Mickelson had two sports hernia surgeries. His unexpected return at the CareerBuilder Challenge led to a T-21 finish. He then had a T14 finish at the Farmers Insurance Open and a T-16 finish at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

2017: Walters Convicted; Mickelson Fined by SEC

In 2017, Billy Walters was convicted of insider trading, and the SEC fined Phil Mickelson the equivalent of the $931,000 profit he made from trading Dean Foods stock, as well as interest of $105,000.

2018: Controversial Incident at U.S. Open

During the third round of the 2018 U.S. Open, Mickelson incurred a two-stroke penalty for hitting his ball while it was still moving, resulting in a score of 81.

February 2021: T-20 Finish at Cologuard Classic

In February 2021, Phil Mickelson aimed to achieve a historic feat by winning his first three tournaments on the PGA Tour Champions. However, he finished in a tie for 20th place at the Cologuard Classic with a score of 4 under par.

2021: Mickelson withdraws from the PGA Championship

In 2021, Mickelson decided to withdraw from the PGA Championship which he won that year.

June 9, 2022: PGA Tour Suspends Mickelson

On June 9, 2022, which was the first day of the LIV Golf Invitational London, the PGA Tour suspended Phil Mickelson, along with 16 other current and former tour members, due to their participation in a conflicting event without obtaining permission from the tour.

2022: Lost Sponsors After LIV Golf Comments

In 2022, Phil Mickelson lost sponsors, including KPMG and Amstel Light, after his comments regarding the Saudi-backed golf league, LIV Golf, stirred controversy.