PHIL MICKELSON

Born in San Diego in 1970. Turned pro in 1992.

Won his first major at the 2004 Masters at age 33 after years of being the best player without a major title. Won six majors total: three Masters (2004, 2006, 2010), one PGA Championship (2005), one Open Championship (2013), and another PGA Championship (2021) at age 50 — making him the oldest major champion in golf history.

Off the course, Mickelson is one of the most active athlete-investors in history. He co-founded a coffee brand, invested in real estate across the Southwest, and partnered with business manager Steve Loy on multiple ventures.

He also became famous for his gambling — reported to have wagered over $1 billion over his career, with net losses estimated at $100 million.

In 2022, Mickelson became the highest-profile golfer to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league for a reported $200 million guaranteed. He was briefly suspended by the PGA Tour and lost sponsors including Callaway, Amstel Light, and KPMG before they were replaced by LIV-affiliated deals.

Six-time major golf champion. Co-founded and invested in multiple businesses including coffee brand and real estate.

Joined LIV Golf in 2022 for a reported $200 million. Career PGA Tour earnings of $95+ million.

Also earned $700+ million in endorsements and appearance fees over his career.

Aggressive and concentrated. Mickelson does not diversify — he makes big bets on things he believes in.

In golf, in gambling, and in business, he swings hard. He has invested heavily in real estate and private companies, preferring tangible assets to public market trading.

His financial advisor has said Mickelson treats investments the way he treats golf shots — go for the pin, not the safe center of the green.

The 2021 PGA Championship win at age 50. Nobody in the history of major championship golf had won a major that old.

Mickelson outplayed Brooks Koepka, Louis Oosthuizen, and a field half his age at Kiawah Island. The moment transcended golf — it was a story about defying age and expectations that went global.

The gambling. A 2023 biography revealed Mickelson lost nearly $100 million gambling over 30 years.

He was also implicated in an insider trading investigation involving Dean Foods stock in 2012 — he paid $1.03 million in disgorgement to the SEC without admitting wrongdoing. The gambling has been the shadow over an otherwise legendary career.

Bet big, win big, lose big, move on. Mickelson has never been a cautious person with money.

He earns aggressively and spends aggressively. His philosophy is that life is short, and the upside of bold action always outweighs the downside of playing safe.

Whether this is wisdom or rationalization depends on your perspective.

Married to Amy Mickelson since 1996. Three children: Amanda, Sophia, and Evan.

Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Phil stepped away from golf to be with her during treatment.

She recovered fully. The family is based in Rancho Santa Fe, California.

Arizona State University (graduated with a psychology degree in 1992). Won the NCAA individual championship and three Haskins Awards as the best collegiate golfer in America before turning pro.

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