19th Hole

‘It was like he was showing off’ – Golf writer details epic Phil Mickelson gambling spree

Published

2 years ago

May 10, 2022

Jason Daniels

The potentially biggest selling golf biography of all time has yet to be published.

Related: Biographer claims this is the shock real reason why Mickelson and caddie Bones split

On May 17, Alan Shipnuck releases “Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar,” a recollection of the public and private lives of Phil Mickelson, who is currently in exile away from the PGA Tour and most of the world’s media.

Related: ‘Gimme a f–kin’ break – you’re just a golfer, dude’ – Charles Barkley rips ‘no fun’ Tiger

On the 5th of May, The FirePit Collective published an excerpt from the book, a tome that, of course, reveals all about the defending PGA champion and his thoughts around the Saudi-backed golf league and much more.

There can’t be many golf fans that remain unaware of what he said about the backers of the now-LIV golf series, but, as Shipnuck admits, “I watched all of this unfold in a state of dismay. I knew his blunt comments about the Saudis and the Tour would provoke controversy, but never imagined they would send a beloved Hall of Famer into exile for months.”

The book also delves into the deeper, some might say darker, side of the now 51-year-old.

According to the author, “It is important to note that Mickelson never opens his mouth without an agenda,” who reveals an incident where the Californian once went into a gambling frenzy in front of golf writer.

“John Hawkins was one of the most high-profile scribes on the golf beat, often breaking news for Golf World and Golf Digest. During a period when there was tremendous scrutiny about Mickelson’s gambling, Hawkins was alone in the locker room at the Tour Championship with Phil, who pulled out his phone and began placing bets on early-season college basketball games. ‘Over 20 minutes he must’ve made 50 bets,’” says the book. “’It was like he was showing off…’”

This put Hawkins in an especially awkward position because his 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,’” Hawkins says. “’Was he trying to co-opt me? Was he testing my loyalty?’”

Hawkins never wrote about the gambling spree.

Ahead of the upcoming release, Shipnuck has revealed that the book isn’t an all-out attack on Mickelson, saying:

“Because of the heat surrounding the excerpt, plenty of folks have asked if this book is some kind of takedown. Far from it. I have always enjoyed Mickelson and devote a lot of the book to celebrating his virtues. It is undeniably fun to be in his orbit.”

Love it or loathe it, there has never been so much interest in a golf biography.

‘Just get back there. F**k sake!’ – Shane Lowry loses cool with cameraman at Open Championship

Published

2 hours ago

Jul 19, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

Shane Lowry raced out to a hot start on Thursday’s opening round of the Open Championship. On Friday, the Irishman was in cruise control and earned himself a two-stroke lead through ten holes when disaster struck.

The former Open winner hit his tee shot in some high grass, and made an error on his second shot, with the ball shooting left into a gorse bush.

Shane Lowry HOT Mic ?? ?

? “As I was over the ball I could just see you putting your f—kin’ camera up. Just get outta the way. Just get back there. F—k sake!” @LowryTracker

pic.twitter.com/1tBmDF8vTh

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) July 19, 2024

After he hit the shot, Lowry blamed a cameraman for the miscue.

“As I was over the ball I could just see you putting your f—kin’ camera up. Just get outta the way. Just get back there. F—k sake!”

He’d gone on to make double-bogey on the hole and is still tied for the lead as things stand.

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19th Hole

Tyrrell Hatton hits out at course setup after opening round at Open Championship

Published

2 hours ago

Jul 19, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

LIV golfer Tyrrell Hatton has never been shy about voicing his opinion on golf course setups. Back in 2022, the Englishman voiced his displeasure with the hallowed grounds of Augusta National.

“You can hit good shots here and not get any reward for it. It’s unfair at times,” Hatton said. “I don’t agree with that. If you hit a good shot, you should end up near the hole — not short-sided into a bunker because of the slopes that they’ve created and stuff. Yeah, I don’t think it’s a fair test at times, and when you hit good shots and you’re not rewarded for it, it shows.”

This week, Royal Troon is under fire from Hatton.

After his opening round of 73 (+2), he sounded off on the course.

“They didn’t put any tees forward. You can’t reach any of the par-5s on the front nine. Was it 15 or 16, the par-5, you’re hitting a 4-iron off it. Tell me a good par-5 where you’re hitting 4-iron off the tee. There isn’t one.

Even though they’ve moved the tee back on 17, which I think is a shame, it’s still with the wind today, you’re hitting 5-iron and hoping it can stay on the green. Rory obviously hits it a lot higher and further, and he was hitting 7-iron there. It doesn’t change the fact that it’s a tough hole, and it’s still hard to hit that green. I think it’s a good thing that the wind was playing down because they probably would have left the tee at the back if it was into off the left. Then do you want to watch guys hit 3-wood into a green that’s hard enough to hit with 7-iron?”

Hatton is still firmly in the mix prior to his second-round tee time and will look to make a move to get into position for the weekend.

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19th Hole

Bryson DeChambeau points to equipment issues after disappointing Open Championship start

Published

2 hours ago

Jul 19, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

Since his incredible victory at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No.2, Bryson DeChambeau certainly has a case to be considered one of the biggest stars in golf. The 30-year-old has grown in popularity due to his success on social media and his popular YouTube channel that appeals to the everyday golfer.

Despite the success and current form on the golf course, DeChambeau got off to a tough start at this week’s Open Championship. The LIV golfer opened with a +5 first round at Royal Troon and struggled to get the wind right all day.

After the round, Bryson spoke to the media about his struggles, initially blaming his equipment.

“I’m not at 190 ball speed, so particularly when I’m hitting driver or 3-wood, those clubs are built for around that speed, that 190 ball speed, and my 3-wood around 180, so colder, firmer conditions the golf ball is not compressing as much.

“I’ve got a chance tomorrow. I’m excited for the challenge. If I have some putts go in and hit some shots the way I know how to and figure out this equipment stuff, I’ll be good.”

DeChambeau added that in addition to his equipment, he’s also not used to playing on wet and windy links courses.

“Yeah, it’s a difficult test out here. Something I’m not familiar with. I never grew up playing it, and not to say that that’s the reason; I finished eighth at St Andrews. I can do it when it’s warm and not windy.”

Friday’s second round will tell if he’s made the necessary adjustments to adapt to the Open Championship conditions.