Phil Mickelson sought treatment for family trauma and addiction, representatives confirm

Phil Mickelson voluntarily entered a treatment facility earlier in 2026 for “family trauma and addiction” and has since returned home.

Representatives for the 56-year-old confirmed the stay after TMZ first reported the news on 30 September. They did not say when he entered treatment or how long he stayed, according to The Guardian.

TMZ described it as a stay at an addiction treatment centre amid ongoing personal issues. That initial report was picked up by other outlets, including Reuters, which cited TMZ as its source. Field Level Media later described the stay as voluntary, again citing TMZ Sports.

The confirmation helps explain a long absence from public view. Mickelson is a six-time winner of golf’s majors, the four biggest championships staged each year. He played only once on the LIV Golf circuit in 2026, in South Africa in March. LIV Golf is the breakaway tour that operates separately from the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour.

He withdrew from the Masters, the year’s first major, in April. At the time he cited a “family health matter” and said he would be out for an “extended period of time”. He then also withdrew from May’s PGA Championship, the year’s second major.

In June, Mickelson denied allegations of nonconsensual and inappropriate physical conduct with a female employee at a San Diego golf club. His lawyer confirmed he had resigned from the Farms Golf Club as those allegations were reported. No further detail about that matter was included in the representatives’ statement on treatment.

Mickelson has spoken publicly about addiction before. In September 2023 he said he was in recovery from gambling addiction. That followed claims by gambler Billy Walters that Mickelson had wagered more than $1 billion over three decades. Mickelson did not confirm that figure.

For fans, this means a waiting game. There is no published timetable for a return to competition. His representatives have given no further detail about his health or his playing plans.

What makes this stand out is the quiet around such a recognisable career. Mickelson, a left-hander long known for bold recovery shots and short-game touch, has won three Masters titles, two PGA Championships and one Open Championship. That record keeps his name in the conversation. His absence from leaderboards keeps him out of it.