Mickelson Confirms Rehab Stay Amid Golf Absence and Misconduct Allegations

Key points

• Mickelson’s spokesperson confirmed to NBC News and other outlets that he sought treatment for family trauma and addiction earlier in 2026.
• The golfer has left the unnamed facility, but representatives declined to disclose the length of his stay or the specific addiction involved.
• Mickelson withdrew from the Masters in April and the PGA Championship in May, citing a 'personal health matter' affecting his family.
• In June, Golf Digest reported that Mickelson was barred from The Farms Golf Club after allegations of nonconsensual physical contact with a female employee, which he denied.
• Mickelson has competed in only one LIV Golf event this year, in South Africa in March, and his return to competitive golf remains uncertain.

Background

Mickelson previously disclosed struggles with gambling addiction in 2023, stating he had spent years in professional recovery. His recent absence from the tour coincides with financial restructuring within the LIV Golf circuit. Prior archive coverage noted his departure from treatment facilities and the ongoing scrutiny regarding his conduct and personal health.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and The Guardian reported the confirmation of the treatment stay based on statements from Mickelson’s representatives, emphasizing the lack of detail regarding the duration and nature of the addiction. Fox News highlighted the connection to his previous gambling issues and noted that his representative did not specify if the current treatment was related to gambling. TMZ Sports was the first to report the news but its source page was inaccessible due to a server error, limiting direct verification from that outlet. All outlets agreed on the core fact of the voluntary treatment stay but differed in emphasis, with Fox News focusing on his past gambling history and NBC News focusing on the broader context of his turbulent year.

Why it matters

The confirmation of Mickelson’s treatment stay adds a new dimension to his public narrative, linking his competitive absence to personal health struggles rather than solely to the misconduct allegations or tour politics. It underscores the ongoing challenges faced by high-profile athletes in managing public scrutiny and private health issues simultaneously.

What to watch

Mickelson’s representatives have not announced a return date for competitive golf. His future participation in LIV Golf or other tours remains unclear, particularly given the financial uncertainties surrounding the LIV circuit. Further details on the nature of his addiction or the specifics of the family health matter are unlikely to be disclosed, as his representatives have emphasized the privacy of his family matters.