Phil Mickelson’s absence from competitive golf has taken another turn, with new details emerging about what the six-time major champion has been dealing with away from the course.
Mickelson has largely stayed out of the spotlight during a 2026 season that has seen him play just once competitively. He has previously cited a private family health matter for his extended absence.
Now, a new report has provided further insight into the challenging period Mickelson has been facing.
According to TMZ Sports, Mickelson voluntarily checked himself into a treatment facility in recent weeks. A representative for the golfer confirmed that he was seeking “treatment for family trauma and addiction.”Mickelson has since left the facility.
The development follows months of uncertainty surrounding the 56-year-old’s personal life and playing future.
Earlier this year, Mickelson announced that he would miss the opening LIV Golf events because he and his wife, Amy, needed to focus on a private family health matter. In April, he also announced that he would be taking an extended break from competitive golf.
His only competitive appearance of the year came at LIV Golf South Africa in March, where he finished tied for 48th. He subsequently missed the Masters and the PGA Championship, while remaining away from the game for much of the season.
The latest development also brings renewed attention to Mickelson’s previous admission about his struggles with gambling.
In 2023, Mickelson publicly acknowledged that his gambling had moved beyond moderation and into addiction. He said at the time that he had received professional help for years and was working through the impact it had had on his personal life.
Importantly, Mickelson’s representative did not specify what addiction was involved in the recent treatment, so it should not be assumed that the latest treatment was specifically related to gambling.
The news also arrives during a period of wider uncertainty around Mickelson’s professional future. He has remained captain of HyFlyers GC, but his long-term playing commitments are unclear following major changes to LIV Golf’s financial structure.
LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund ended its direct financing, adding another layer of uncertainty to the league and the contracts of its players.
For now, though, Mickelson’s immediate focus appears to be away from competitive golf.
His representative’s confirmation that he sought treatment for family trauma and addiction provides a rare glimpse into the personal challenges behind a season in which one of golf’s most recognizable stars has been largely absent from the sport.
Mickelson has now completed his stay at the treatment facility, but questions remain over when — or whether — he will make a full return to competitive golf.
