Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Phil Mickelson

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Phil Mickelson.

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

2008: Walters makes illicit gains using private information

From 2008 to 2014, Billy Walters made $40 million using private information from Thomas Davis. In 2017, Walters was convicted of these acts.

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.

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.

2014: Walters makes illicit gains using private information

From 2008 to 2014, Billy Walters made $40 million using private information from Thomas Davis. In 2017, Walters was convicted of these acts.

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.

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: 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.

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.