Phil Mickelson news emerges as LIV Golf star faces difficult period

Phil Mickelson has sought professional treatment amid a difficult period in his personal life, according to a report by TMZ Sports.

The six-time major champion voluntarily entered an addiction treatment facility in recent weeks, TMZ reports, with a representative for Mickelson confirming that he was seeking help for both family trauma and addiction.

Mickelson has since left the facility.

The development comes three months after the 56-year-old's representatives addressed concerns surrounding his personal life earlier this year, claiming his priority was to focus on becoming "the husband, father, and man his family deserves."

At the time, Mickelson's reps said he was dealing with a private family health matter and asked for that aspect of his life to remain private.

The news comes several months after Tiger Woods also sought treatment in Switzerland, where he underwent a rehabilitation program before returning to the US in June.

The latest report also comes against the backdrop of Mickelson's well-documented struggles with gambling.

In 2023, Mickelson acknowledged that his gambling had progressed beyond what he considered moderation and into addiction. 

Lefty said at the time that he had sought professional help over a number of years and acknowledged the impact his gambling had had on his personal life.

Mickelson has also faced a series of allegations away from the course in recent months.

Golf Digest previously reported allegations concerning inappropriate physical contact involving a female employee at a San Diego golf course. 

Mickelson subsequently rejected the reporting and criticised the article.

Further allegations were later made by Ashley Perez, the former wife of professional golfer Pat Perez, who claimed Mickelson had shown her an explicit image and propositioned her while she was married. 

Mickelson has denied all misconduct allegations.

His wife, Amy, has publicly supported her husband following the reports, although her subsequent appearances without her wedding ring generated further speculation around their relationship.

On the course, Mickelson has been acting as captain of HyFlyers GC on LIV Golf, having joined the circuit ahead of its launch in June 2022.

The former World No.2 has played just once on the LIV Golf League this season, finishing T48 at LIV Golf South Africa in March.

His playing future comes at a particularly uncertain time for LIV, with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) ending its direct financing this season. 

A new structure is expected to emerge, with BC Partners linked to the league's proposed next phase, although the final model and playing commitments of its leading stars have yet to be formally confirmed.

For now, Mickelson's immediate focus appears to be away from competitive golf, with his representatives confirming that he has sought professional help during a challenging period in his personal life.