Former Ryder Cup captain BLASTS Phil Mickelson over fresh gambling accusations

"I don’t know that there’s ever been a more disappointing figure in golf" - former Ryder Cup captain Lanny Wadkins rips into Phil Mickelson.

Andy Roberts

15 Aug 2023

Former Ryder Cup captain BLASTS Phil Mickelson over fresh gambling accusations — Former Ryder Cup captain BLASTS Phil Mickelson over fresh gambling…

Former US PGA champion and Ryder Cup captain Lanny Wadkins has blasted Phil Mickelson following his latest gambling accusations.

Last week it came to light that Mickelson had allegedly wanted to bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup which he was taking part in.

That bombshell allegation came from an extraordinary extract in Billy Walters' book that was released on August 10.

Walters, a professional gambler and convicted felon with long-standing ties to Mickelson, alleged the golfer had lost more than $100m betting sports.

Wadkins, 73, came down hard on LIV Golf's Mickelson when he was asked about his newest allegations on Golf Today.

"I don't know if there has ever been a more disappointing figure in the game of golf than Phil Mickelson."
1995 Ryder Cup captain Lanny Wadkins didn't hold back when @eamonlynch and @damonhackGC asked about the newest allegations against Mickelson and the state of pro golf. pic.twitter.com/TXISeHZiM6
— Golf Today (@GCGolfToday) August 14, 2023

The 1977 US PGA champion and 1995 US Ryder Cup captain said:

"I don’t know that there’s ever been a more disappointing figure in golf than Phil Mickelson.

"He was a beloved figure for a long time. We all marveled at the way he could play. But just nothing looks kosher about what he’s doing these days.

"He's blown a chance to probably be Ryder Cup captain ever. I think he would have been a two-time captain and now he's not going to be involved.

"It's really kind of a shame. He's just self-imploded. It looks like he continues to every term. It's disappointing and sad, it's sad that we have people in our game that think they're bigger than the game, and obviously Phil thinks he's bigger."

Hall of Famer Wadkins also spoke about his disappointment at seeing the prize purses heavily inflated on the PGA Tour to emulate those on the LIV Golf League this season.

The 21-time PGA Tour winner added:

"I don't understand why the Tour, for example, had to jump purses to the amount they did this year and put themselves in a position that was uncomfortable, you know going to $20 million purses. These guys wouldn't have been good enough playing for 12, 15 million? Come on... it's a little disappointing, it really is. I don't know where that mindset is coming from, but it's a little unsettling for a lot of us that have been involved in the game for a long time."