11 August 2023 , 11:30
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Rory McIlroy took his chance to make a gambling and Ryder Cup themed dig at Phil Mickelson after the American was accused of making a controversial bet.
In an upcoming autobiography by famous sports bettor Billy Walters, ‘Gambler, Secrets from a Life at Risk’, it is claimed the LIV Golf rebel contacted him over making a $400,000 (£315.4k) bet for the USA to win at the 2012 Ryder Cup in Medinah. Mickelson was competing in the event at the time.
The 53-year-old has vehemently denied the claim. But that hasn't stopped McIlroy from taking this as an opportunity to sink his teeth in. Grinning, the Northern Irishman ruthlessly said: "At least he can bet on the Ryder Cup this year because he won’t be a part of it"
Team Europe famously staged a comeback, dubbed the Miracle at Medinah, after being 10-4 down late on Saturday. And it is perhaps for this reason Mickelson should be thankful Walters never took the bet.
"'Have you lost your f****** mind?' I told him," the professional gambler recalls in his book. Walters then cited the story of Pete Rose. The Cincinnati Reds coach was banned after betting on his team.
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"'You’d risk all that for this? I want no part of it,'’’ Walters claims to have added. It's further alleged Mickelson backpedalled on the idea as Walters adds: "I have no idea whether Phil placed the bet elsewhere."
But it doesn't stop there, the gambler claims Mickelson has placed bets totalling £785.5million ($1billion) in the last 30 years. As well as rejecting claims the golfer has lost as much as £31m ($40m), with the real figure instead said to be 'closer to £78.5m ($100m)'.
Phil Mickelson has denied the betting claimsUpon hearing the claims in the autobiography, Mickelson released a statement. It read: "I never bet on the Ryder Cup. While it is well known that I always enjoy a friendly wager on the course, I would never undermine the integrity of the game.
"I have also been very open about my gambling addiction. I have previously conveyed my remorse, took responsibility, have gotten help, have been fully committed to therapy that has positively impacted me and I feel good about where I am now."
The claims come just days after Bryson DeChambeau revealed how much the pair bet on a match between the two. In a nine-hole match, the LIV golfers played for a whopping £785,000 ($1 million) - as well as betting £78,500 ($100,000) per hole. Mickelson came out on top on that occasion.
"It was on my YouTube channel we got a match between myself and Phil," DeChambeau said. "He took some money off me that day, so that gave me some passion to kick his ass in the week.”