• Loading stock data...
Monday, June 2, 2025

Phil Mickelson Has More To Lose Than Sponsors

  • He announced that he needs “some time away” from golf following backlash from controversial comments.
  • Parent company Heineken pulled its Amstel Light deal, and longtime sponsor KPMG severed ties with golfer.
Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula

Embroiled in controversy for comments regarding the breakaway Saudi-based Super Golf League, Phil Mickelson announced that he needs “some time away” from golf.

On Tuesday, Mickelson apologized for saying he would look past Saudi human rights violations if it would help force changes to the PGA Tour’s distribution of money.

An extended leave would only exacerbate his recent drop to No. 183 in the FedExCup standings and No. 41 in the world — plus, he’s missed the last four Tour events and would be unprepared for the rapidly approaching Masters. 

It’s not only the prospect of his legacy taking a hit, but also his net worth, thanks to the exodus of a pair of sponsors.

  • His 45 career victories are tied with Walter Hagen for eighth all-time (Tiger Woods and Sam Snead top the list with 82). 
  • He is tied for 12th all-time with six major wins (Jack Nicklaus is No. 1 with 18) and famously still needs to win the U.S. Open for a career grand slam.
  • He was Forbes’ 29th highest-paid athlete in 2021 ($41M) with $40M in endorsements. He has made $800M in endorsements over his career.
  • Parent company Heineken pulled its Amstel Light deal, and longtime sponsor KPMG severed ties with Mickelson.

Mickelson ($95M) is second only to Woods ($121M) in career earnings and has added just $140,608 this season.

In his four starts this season, his best finish was a T30 at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in January. That was followed by missed cuts at The American Express and Farmers Insurance Open.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Masters Raising Ticket Prices After Cracking Down on Secondary Market

Tournament day tickets in 2026 will cost $160, up from $140 in 2025.

Scheffler Closing Fast on Mickelson’s PGA Tour Earnings

Scottie Scheffler is already fourth in PGA Tour career earnings.

PGA Tour’s $100M Playoffs Alter Bonus Payout for Tour Championship

The Tour Championship will no longer award $25 million to its winner.
U.S. Women's Golf

U.S Women’s Open Will Play on Courses Once Reserved for Men

Erin Hills Golf Course in Wisconsin is hosting this week’s tournament.

Featured Today

PSG and the City of Paris Can Join European Soccer’s Elite

What a maiden Champions League title would mean for the French club.
May 30, 2025

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.
May 25, 2025

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 24, 2025

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (USA), left, defeats Gabby Thomas (USA) to win the women's 200m, 21.99 to 22.10, during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field.

Grand Slam Track Investigating Man Saying He Heckled Gabby Thomas to Win..

The league announced a “full investigation into the reprehensible behavior.”
John Haliburton
May 28, 2025

John Haliburton’s Brief Ban Ends With Pacers on Brink of Finals

John Haliburton was sitting in a suite instead of his usual courtside seat. 
June 1, 2025

Verstappen Nears F1 Suspension After ‘Mario Kart’–Style Mayhem

The Red Bull driver received penalty points in Sunday’s race.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
Cousins
May 27, 2025

Kirk Cousins, James Cook Among Prominent NFL OTA Absences

The NFL’s 2024 rushing touchdowns leader was among the absences Tuesday.
May 27, 2025

Dodgers’ Biggest Deadline Pickup Might Already Be in L.A.

Ohtani faces batters as a pitcher for the first time in 21 months.
Russian hockey
May 27, 2025

Russia Still Banned From 2026 Winter Olympics, IOC Confirms

Russia men’s hockey won gold and silver in 2018 and 2022, respectively.
May 27, 2025

How Much Do NFL Agents Make?

We dive into what agents make at American football’s highest level.