‘Brazen’ Phil Mickelson once made 50 bets in 20 minutes in front of stunned reporter
Phil Mickelson’s alleged gambling adrenaline reached ominous levels in front of a reporter that was admittedly uncomfortable about what he had witnessed.
In an upcoming book titled “Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar,”
Alan Shipnuck tells a story about renowned golf reporter John Hawkins being alone in a locker room with Mickelson at the Tour Championship sometime in the 2000s.
Mickelson pulled out his phone in front of Hawkins and began rapidly placing bets on early-season college basketball games.
“Over 20 minutes he must’ve made 50 bets,” Hawkins says, according to the book. “It was like he was showing off.”
At the time, Hawkins’ then-wife worked for Hugo Boss, assisting Mickelson with his clothing deal.
“I’ve wondered about Phil’s motivation in being so brazen in front of me,” says Hawkins. “Was he trying to co-opt me? Was he testing my loyalty?”
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