Rory McIlroy aims jab at Phil Mickelson after wager claim: ‘At least he can bet on the Ryder Cup this year’
McIlroy has been an outspoken critic of players who elected to join the breakaway LIV Golf Series
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rory McIlroy has aimed a jab at Phil Mickelson after allegations were made in a book that the American golfer tried to place a wager on the 2012 Ryder Cup.
In the soon to be published book, prominent sports gambler Billy Walters claims that he and Mickelson discussed a potential $400,000 (£315,000) bet on the event while the left-hander was playing at Medinah.
Mickelson has denied the claims, saying to Sports Illustrated that he had “never bet on the Ryder Cup.”
The six-time major winner continued: “While it is well known that I always enjoy a friendly wager on the course, I would never undermine the integrity of the game. I have also been very open about my gambling addiction.
“I have previously conveyed my remorse, took responsibility, have gotten help, have been fully committed to therapy that has positively impacted me, and I feel good about where I am now.”
Mickelson declined to speak to the media at a LIV Golf event in New Jersey, where he is currently competing.
However his long-time rival McIlroy, a prominent critic of those who elected to join the Saudi-backed breakaway series, has commented on the allegations made by Walters.
“At least he can bet on the Ryder Cup this year because he won’t be a part of it,” the Northern Irishman said at the Fedex St. Jude Championship.
Mickelson said earlier this week that he had “kind of detached” himself from the Team USA set-up ahead of this year’s biennial event in Rome after making 12 previous Ryder Cup appearances as player
Zach Johnson will captain the American team, while McIlroy and Jon Rahm have been confirmed as the first two members of Luke Donald’s European team.
The Ryder Cup begins on Friday 29 September at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments