‘Disappointing Figure’: Former Ryder Cup Captain Brutally Reprimands Phil Mickelson Amid Rampant Gambling Controversies

Unquestionably, Phil Mickelson is one of the most controversial figures in golf dynamics. This statement is especially true after the veteran professional shifted his leagues from the PGA Tour to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series last year. His stock has seen a further hit after strong allegations over his past gambling addictions, which have put him under public scrutiny again.

To add salt to the wound, a former US Ryder Cup captain recently fired some harsh statements against the 53-year-old. While delivering the staggering comments, the 21-time PGA Tour winner called out Lefty’s previous actions. He also expressed how the 6-time major winner is responsible for his current disposition with the American Ryder Cup team.

Former US Ryder Cup Captain reprimands Phil Mickelson

The Ryder Cup is undoubtedly the talk of the golf town presently. With the event edging closer, all news and updates seem to find their way back to the hot topic. Amidst all the latest apprising, a former golfer’s comment has taken the golf world by storm. Through an hours-old tweet posted on NuclrGolf, former US Ryder Cup captain Lanny Wadkins’ statement on golf veteran Phil Mickelson has put the latter under the lens, again.

Appearing on Golf Today, the retired golfer highlighted various issues surrounding the 53-year-old golf star. He reprimanded the LIV golfer by saying, “I don’t know that there’s ever been a more disappointing figure in golf than Phil Mickelson.”

The 1995 US Ryder Cup captain seemed utterly disappointed with all that has transpired with the LIV golfer over more than a decade now. The situation stems from recent allegations pertaining to Mickelson’s gambling habits in the past. In the context of the same, Wadkins could hardly cover his dismay over the golfer’s choices and decisions.

Further, he even added, “He was a beloved figure for a long time,” highlighting how everyone adored the Californian Native. Wadkins even revealed how all the players around “marveled at the way he could play.” Unfortunately, the overall incidents, according to him, have been proof of the exact opposite. Nothing for the six-time major champion, per Wadkins, seems to look “Kosher” anymore.

Read More: “I Haven’t Won Since the PGA”: An Unfazed Phil Mickelson Ignores the Gambling Spotlight as He Eyes His Maiden LIV Golf Crown

The 1977 PGA Championship winner also went on to express his disappointment with Mickelson having destroyed his own chances of becoming the Ryder Cup captain ever. Amongst all the factors, Wadkins also specifically mentioned the primary cause of the golfer’s downfall in his understanding.

Lanny Wadkins strongly upholds that no one is bigger than the game of golf

During the same segment, Wadkins believed that the golf veteran was responsible for the situations he had created for himself. Referring to a possible outcast from the upcoming Ryder Cup, the 1997 PGA Championship winner claimed that it is “kind of a shame” that Mickelson won’t be a part of the American team.

However, he believed that the reason behind the same is that the golf icon just “self-imploded.” Per the 2009 World Golf Hall of Fame member, it is disappointing that people in the golf world believe that they are bigger than the game. No one is greater than golf, however, as Lanny Wadkins voiced, “Obviously Phil thinks he’s bigger.”

The strong contempt of Wadkins hasn’t been met with an answer from Mickelson. But, the 45-time PGA Tour winner did not seem too concerned regarding his position on the 2023 US Ryder Cup Team last week. ‘Lefty’ mentioned that the 12-13 years he has spent on the team have been enough for him to collect valuable memories.

For Mickelson, it looks like the Ryder Cup will be a spectator sport that he will let himself enjoy. What do you think of Lanny Wadkins’ strong comments against the 2021 PGA Championship winner? Let us know in the comments.

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