Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Phil Mickelson

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 22, 2026

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

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

2004: Ends Contract with Titleist/Acushnet Golf, Signs with Callaway Golf

Prior to the Ryder Cup in 2004, Mickelson ended his contract with Titleist/Acushnet Golf and signed with Callaway Golf after praising their equipment. He faced scrutiny for the sudden change and faltered at the Ryder Cup.

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.

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.

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.

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.

December 2019: Announcement to play in Saudi International tournament

In December 2019, Phil Mickelson announced on Twitter that he would participate in the 2020 Saudi International tournament, foregoing the Waste Management Phoenix Open for the first time since 1989. This decision was met with criticism due to Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

February 2020: Tied for third at Saudi International tournament

In February 2020, Phil Mickelson finished tied for third at the Saudi International tournament amid controversy over his participation due to Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

June 6, 2022: Announcement to play in LIV Golf Invitational Series

On June 6, 2022, LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman announced that Phil Mickelson would participate in the first event on the LIV Golf Invitational Series, starting on June 9, 2022.