Phil Mickelson: Treatment Stay for Addiction and Family Trauma

Phil Mickelson has sought help at a treatment facility. TMZ Sports was the first to report on his stay on September 30, 2026. PEOPLE magazine received its own confirmation from his representative on the same day. Both media outlets reported that the 56-year-old had already left the facility.

“Phil sought treatment for family trauma and addiction,” a representative for Mickelson explained in a written statement to various media outlets. According to the initial report, the golfer had voluntarily checked himself into the facility. However, the details do not indicate when the treatment began or how long he stayed there. Nor were the facility or the specific nature of his addiction named. Therefore, the news of his discharge does not imply that the entire therapy has been completed or that the treatment was successful.

Phil Mickelson has been on hiatus since his March appearance

Mickelson has rarely been seen on the golf course this season. Back in February, he withdrew from the first two LIV events. At the time, he explained that he and his wife, Amy, needed to be present due to a family health matter. In March, he returned for the LIV tournament in South Africa. That has been his last competitive appearance to date.

In April, he withdrew from the Masters. At the same time, Mickelson announced that he would be taking an extended break from tournament play. In his social media statement at the time, he wrote: “Unfortunately, I will not be competing in next week’s Masters Tournament and will be taking an extended break while my family continues to deal with a personal health matter.”

The treatment details that have now come to light provide additional insight into his time away from competitive sports. However, they do not automatically explain the entire course of his hiatus: Earlier statements did not specify a diagnosis or when treatment began. Nor did they reveal which family member was affected by the health issue mentioned at the time.

Previous Gambling Addiction Made Public

Mickelson had already spoken openly about his gambling addiction in September 2023. In a statement documented by PEOPLE at the time, he described how gambling had consumed his attention and strained his relationships. He also reported that he had been receiving professional help for many years and had stopped gambling.

This publicly known background should not be equated with the reason for his current treatment. His representatives have not confirmed that his most recent stay was related to gambling. Nor were other forms of addiction specifically mentioned. The phrase “family trauma and addiction” thus remains the only publicly disclosed description of the reason for his treatment.‍

Previous allegations must be considered separately

Separately, Golf Digest reported in June on an allegation of non-consensual, inappropriate physical contact with a female employee at The Farms Golf Club. Mickelson is no longer a member of the club; his spokesperson confirmed his resignation at the time and described the incident as a misunderstanding that had been resolved. Regarding other allegations, his representatives stated that some were false, while others pertained to mistakes he had already admitted to.

No connection between these allegations and the treatment has been confirmed. The hospital stay also does not constitute an admission of the disputed allegations. For further details on the multiple allegations of sexual harassment against Phil Mickelson, read here.

No Date Given for Return

Reports on his treatment stay do not indicate when Phil Mickelson might return to competition. His team had already emphasized in June that he was focusing on a private family health matter. Whether and when he will return to competition therefore remains unclear. The fact that he has left the facility does not, in and of itself, indicate his readiness to compete. Given that LIV Golf filed for bankruptcy during Mickelson’s absence, the six-time major champion’s return is more uncertain than ever.