Rory McIlroy Destroys Phil Mickelson With Joke About Ryder Cup

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Rory McIlroy didn’t hold back when asked about betting allegations against Phil Mickelson on Thursday.

Mickelson, a six-time major champion, was the subject of stunning revelations about his prior gambling habits earlier in the day.

One of the more remarkable claims, which came in a book from Mickelson’s ex-betting partner Billy Walters, is that Mickelson once considered gambling on the 2012 Ryder Cup.

Mickelson was a member of the United States team that lost 14.5-13.5 at the event. He went 3-1-0, but lost an integral singles match to Justin Rose.

Walters alleges that Mickelson called him in September 2012 to ask him to bet $400,000 on the US team to beat Europe in the Ryder Cup.

“Have you lost your f—— mind? Don’t you remember what happened to Pete Rose?” Walters writes in the book that he answered. “You’re seen as a modern-day Arnold Palmer. You’d risk all that for this? I want no part of it.”

“Alright, alright,” Mickelson replied, according to the excerpt.

In June 2022, Mickelson told Sports Illustrated: “Gambling has been part of my life ever since I can remember. But about a decade ago is when I would say it became reckless. It’s embarrassing. I don’t like that people know. The fact is I’ve been dealing with it for some time.”

McIlroy and Mickelson were previously friendly. But Mickelson’s decision to leave the PGA Tour for Saudi-backed LIV Golf has soured their relationship.

On Thursday, McIlroy was asked about the allegations against Mickelson foolowing the completion of his round at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the opening round of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Playoffs.