Mickelson bet broke the rules

Now, not a lot of people know this Phil Mickelson likes a punt, especially on baseball of which he's a great fan.

However, he's likely to pick up a hefty fine from the US PGA Tour after claiming $500 in a friendly wager at the NEC Invitational on Sunday.

Mickelson - likes a wager.

He turned to Stewart Cink and David Toms in the players lounge, while the three were watching Jim Furyk face a tricky bunker shot in his playoff with Tiger Woods and affered 25-1 that Furyk would hole it.

Cink and Toms rejected the bet, but Canadian Mike Weir overheard the conversation and accepted the wager at $20.

Furyk duly holed the shot to extend the playoff, now Mickelson faces a ticking off from PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem and a likely fine.

Allegedly, Mickelson violated PGA Tour policy by gambling.

Tour spokesman Bob Combs said that Mickelson and his victim, Mike Weir, committed a "technical violation" of tour regulations that prohibit placing bets on a golf tournament.

So don't expect any side bets on skins, golden ferrets and ooslams when Mickelson steps out in the foursomes and fourballs against Europe at the Ryder Cup - officials will be asking questions!