Phil Mickelson Opens Up On His Rehab Stint

Phil Mickelson sought help for personal issues by checking himself into a treatment center in the earlier part of the year, according to a statement from his representatives shared with various news organizations. This move accounts for the prolonged absence of the six-time major champion from professional golf during the 2026 season, as Mickelson was notably absent from most competitions.

Mickelson, currently 56 years old, has since left the treatment facility and participated in only a single LIV Golf event, which took place in South Africa. Despite having exemptions that would have allowed him to participate in three of the four major championships, he did not compete in any of them. His exemptions would have permitted him to attend three of them.

Initially, Mickelson's absence was vaguely described as a "family health matter" when he withdrew from LIV Golf at the beginning of the season. In April, he further clarified that he and his family were facing a "personal health matter" while announcing his decision not to participate in the Masters. As the year progressed, additional details emerged.

In June, it was reported that Mickelson had lost his membership at The Farms Golf Club, a club he had long frequented in Rancho Santa Fe, due to an allegation that he had made inappropriate, non-consensual contact with a female employee. The Farms declined to publicly name Mickelson but confirmed that an incident had transpired and that a member had been removed.

Mickelson's legal counsel refuted the allegations, stating that any misunderstandings had been resolved. At that point, his attorney also mentioned that Mickelson was concentrating on a family health matter.

Subsequent allegations came to light, as Ashley Perez, a former spouse of professional golfer Pat Perez, publicly disclosed multiple alleged incidents involving Mickelson. Among her claims was an accusation that Mickelson made propositions for sexual relations in 2015. Following the publication of Perez's account, Mickelson's attorney released another statement offering more insight into what Mickelson had been privately dealing with.

The statement emphasized that he was in recovery and had the support of his wife, Amy. It explained that recovery is not a linear process and highlighted the couple's unwavering support for Mickelson and their family. The statement also emphasized that Mickelson's priority was to become the husband, father, and man his family deserved.

At the same time, it requested that the family's private health matters remain private. Mickelson has previously spoken publicly about his struggles with gambling addiction, making addiction a subject he addressed earlier than the recent disclosure about his treatment.

These events have unfolded amid a significant shift in Mickelson's presence in professional golf. Once a prominent and frequently discussed figure in the sport, he has become less visible in recent times. The 2026 season was a prime illustration of this shift, as Mickelson failed to participate in any of golf's four major championships for the first time since 1989, ending a streak that spanned more than three decades.

A statement from his representatives now provides some context regarding what occurred during those months away. Previously, his public absence was attributed to a family or personal health matter, but it has now been clarified that Mickelson entered treatment for family trauma and addiction. During this period, his golf career was effectively on hold.