Phil Mickelson spent part of a year largely away from professional golf seeking treatment for what his representative described as “family trauma and addiction.” The six-time major champion voluntarily entered a treatment facility earlier in 2026 and has since left.
TMZ Sports first reported the treatment stay, quoting Mickelson’s representative as saying, “Phil was seeking treatment for family trauma and addiction.” PEOPLE separately reported that a representative confirmed Mickelson had completed his stay and was no longer at the facility.
Although the golfer has spoken publicly about gambling addiction in the past, his team has not said the latest treatment was solely or specifically related to gambling.
It was an unusual season in which Mickelson played only once before stepping away again because of an ongoing family health matter. He has kept the details of that family situation private throughout the year.
His Only 2026 LIV Start Came in South Africa
Mickelson’s extended absence began before the treatment stay became public. On February 1, he announced that he would miss the opening LIV Golf events because he and his wife, Amy, needed to remain in the United States for what he called a “family health matter.” Golf Channel reported that Mickelson initially expected to miss the events in Riyadh and Adelaide while expressing hope that he could return quickly.
He ultimately sat out the first four LIV tournaments before returning in March at LIV Golf South Africa. Mickelson finished tied for 48th at Steyn City, and his official LIV Golf profile shows it as his only competitive appearance on the league in 2026.
In April, Mickelson withdrew from the Masters and said he would be away “for an extended period of time” as his family continued dealing with the health matter. He later withdrew from the PGA Championship for the same stated reason, and by June he was set to miss all four men’s majors in a season for the first time in his professional career.
Mickelson Previously Spoke Openly About Gambling Addiction
In September 2023, he publicly said his gambling had moved beyond recreation and into addiction, announcing that he would not bet on football while continuing his recovery.
“I crossed the line of moderation and into addiction,” Mickelson wrote at the time, according to ESPN. He said the financial losses were not the central problem for him. Instead, gambling had left him mentally absent around the people closest to him and caused significant personal harm.
Mickelson also said he had received professional help for years and had stopped gambling. GOLF.com reported that he described himself at the time as being in recovery and trying to repair relationships affected by his addiction.