The Phil Mickelson news cycle continues to spin, with the most recent disclosure involving $40 million in gambling losses.
On the Fire Pit Collective on Thursday, Alan Shipnuck, author of the upcoming Mickelson book “Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar,” disclosed this and more.
The book by Shipnuck will be released on May 17, the Tuesday before the PGA Championship.
While the majority of the new information focuses on Mickelson’s significant gambling losses, Charles Barkley plays an important role.
Barkley is one of the few people in Mickelson’s and Tiger Woods’ inner circles, according to Shipnuck:
“One of the reasons Phil has lasted so long is that he has lived a happy life,” Barkley remarked. “Tiger won a lot of events, but it didn’t bring him much joy. Tiger is, without a doubt, a superior golfer. You’re just blown away by his abilities. However, being around him is not enjoyable. Everyone in his sphere is tense and scared, fearful of saying or doing something stupid. Tiger has always acted as if he is under attack. Give me a break. Dude, you’re just a golfer. When you’re around Phil, you’re sure to have a good time. He makes others feel good about themselves. Everyone in his immediate vicinity is always happy. Man, that’s a significant change.”
Barkley and Tiger have been friends for a long time, but he also became good friends with Mickelson along the way. In November of 2020, the two teamed up to defeat Steph Curry and Peyton Manning in The Match at Stone Canyon, a golf course owned by Mickelson north of Tucson, Arizona.
Mickelson and Barkley worked as analysts in Las Vegas for the sixth chapter of Capital One’s The Match, which featured Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka.
Mickelson stated at the time, “Charles is one of the funniest guys I know and one of the fastest wits.”
Mickelson is the PGA’s defending champion. He has registered for the competition, although it is unclear whether he will participate. The final field will be announced by the PGA of America on Monday.
