Phil Mickelson remains ever popular despite bombshell gambling allegations

At some point after the explosive gambling allegations had been levied at Phil Mickelson by convicted felon Billy Walters by means of an excerpt from a e-book he authored, Mickelson’s recognition among the many followers and his fellow gamers didn’t change one bit. 

He stays as fashionable as he all the time has been primarily based on plenty of interviews of followers and gamers by The Submit throughout Friday’s opening spherical of the LIV Golf occasion at Trump Bedminster. 

Because the 53-year-old lefty star shot a 1-under 70 to face in tenth place, 4 pictures behind chief Cameron Smith (5-under), three pictures behind Patrick Reed (4-under) and three again of Charles Howell III (3-under), Mickelson regarded no worse for the wear and tear after Walters accused him of allegedly wanting to position a guess on the 2012 U.S. Ryder Cup workforce (one thing Mickelson denied doing). 

Mickelson’s day started with a handshake from former President and tournament host Donald Trump, who sought him out on the follow vary for a quick chat, earlier than the spherical started. 

And, as he performed his approach round Trump Bedminster alongside enjoying companions Louis Oosthuizen and Joaquin Niemann, Mickelson was handled with the identical adulation as he all the time has in his enjoying profession. There have been no snarky feedback, simply a number of encouragement. 

One factor is obvious about Mickelson: His friends stand in reward of him for being the LIV lightning rod, the person out entrance and the one who’s confronted essentially the most criticism. 

“Pay attention, he’s taken a number of bullets,’’ Charles Howell III advised The Submit. “However when there’s one thing that you simply imagine in — and clearly he’s believed on this change — then it’s value doing. And Phil’s achieved that. All people out right here owes Phil a ‘thanks’ for serving to get this factor off the bottom and going.’’ 

Howell has discovered a number of the criticism Mickelson has taken cringe worthy. 

“I feel lots of people can all the time armchair quarterback any scenario,’’ he stated. “I additionally know that life is difficult and nobody’s excellent, so I’m going to be the final man to throw any stone or make any judgment when all people’s preventing a unique battle.’’ 

Patrick Reed, who’s spent his share of time as a lightning rod, stated Mickelson hasn’t modified for the reason that day he first met him. 

“I really feel just like the interactions I’ve had with him — whether or not they had been 5 years in the past, two years in the past or final week — they’re all the identical,’’ Reed advised The Submit. “He hasn’t wavered, which exhibits you ways head-strong he may be and the way head-strong he’s. Let’s be trustworthy, there’s a number of issues which have been stated and achieved and it simply relies on the way you’re going to react to them. And I really feel like he’s reacted the suitable approach. He’s dealt with himself nicely.’’ 

Mickelson, who put out an announcement to The Submit and a pair different shops on Thursday denying the allegations made by Walters about him betting on the Ryder Cup in his upcoming e-book “Gambler: Secrets and techniques of a Life at Danger,” wasn’t obtainable to talk to reporters after his spherical on Friday. 

“Phil’s been round endlessly,’’ Reed stated. “He’s been the poster little one at occasions, he’s been chasing down Tiger, he’s been a Ryder Cup hero, he’s been a man that has critiqued issues. I imply, he’s hit each spectrum, and even by way of that, any time I see him on the market on the golf course he acts the very same approach. I really feel like he’s mentally stronger now.’’ 

The earth round Mickelson didn’t shift after the Walters e-book allegations got here out. A ballot amongst followers watching the golf and following Mickelson was clear: Nobody cares about his playing or how a lot he guess or misplaced. 

“What attracts me to Phil is his aggression,’’ Lengthy Island’s Mike Bertran stated as he stood on the sixteenth gap. “He’s thrilling, he makes issues thrilling. In some methods it’s that gambler in him, which is sort of enjoyable. You see it on the golf course on a regular basis, him taking probabilities, and it’s thrilling to look at.’’ 

Bertran was one of many many who didn’t care about Mickelson’s playing. 

“I’m positive the man [Walters] is making an attempt to promote his e-book and he has an axe to grind with Phil, so to me the numbers are in all probability considerably exaggerated,’’ he stated. 

Artwork Smith from Rockland County, as he watched Mickelson tee off on the primary gap, stated, “So he likes to gamble. That’s his interest. My interest’s golf. He can afford to do what he desires.’’ 

Brothers Luke, William and Jack Mahala from Basking Ridge, N.J., adopted Mickelson on Friday and had been all in settlement: They’re followers and stay followers whatever the Walters allegations. 

“He’s an incredible participant who’s relatable to the folks and the way in which he talks about golf and acts and carries himself is admirable,’’ Jack Mahala stated. 

“His betting doesn’t hassle me,’’ Luke Mahala stated. “You could possibly see it as a blemish to his profession, however I don’t. I feel it makes him extra human.’’