As per Phil Mickelson's biographer, Alan Shipnuck, Billy Walters' soon-to-be-released autobiography contains some astonishing revelations about the golfer's gambling habits.
Shipnuck has closely followed Mickelson's career and is the author of his biography, titled Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf's Most Colorful Superstar. Walters, a renowned bettor, once shared a strong friendship with the accomplished golfer before their relationship soured.
Walters' autobiography, Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk, is scheduled for release on August 22. It is said to feature two chapters dedicated to Mickelson.
Shipnuck shared a brief review of Walters' book through a Twitter post, adding that he couldn't discuss it in detail due to a signed NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement).
He wrote:
"I have read Billy Walters’s autobiography GAMBLER. Can’t say anything specific (yet!) since I had to sign an NDA but he’s quite a character and it’s a wild read. Walters devotes 2 chapters to his ex-friend Mickelson. He has all the receipts on Phil’s sports betting and HOLY SHIT!"
Shipnuck's revelation created a buzz among golf fans on social media, with many expressing their eagerness for Walters' autobiography to be released.
Here's how fans reacted on Twitter:
"I say $400M in losses based on the $40M number that came out in that trial testimony and multiplying it by 10."
"Wow. Comes out in 2 weeks! It took me one whole day to get through Phil so I can probably do the same here. Also preordered your new book as well. Thanks for the NDA review! Need a commission plan."
"Seems like a good read! Does it cover college sports? Gambling will be the next big problem in college sports!"
"Be interesting to see what the reaction is to Phil and his betting? He has done a lot of talking about how the PGAT is corrupt. Phil put a target on his back"
"The worst kept secret! Anyone who was paying attention knew about Phil and Billy’s relationship, and that Phil was betting $10’s of Millions a year on sports. When Billy went down, I was shocked that Phil didn’t too. He had something on somebody somewhere!!!!"
"Leak to a friend. You know how this is done."
"Cannot wait to read it, but very excited for your own new tome on LIV. Hope to get you back on the pod as the book goes live."
"Billy has said publicly that he thinks Phil f***** him over and got him sent to prison. Excited to read this. Billy is the king"
Is Phil Mickelson addicted to gambling?
It's no secret that the 53-year-old golfer was a gambling addict in the past. The six-time major champion himself has admitted to his gambling addiction in the past. As per the golfer, he used to hide his credit card from his wife because he was spending too much on gambling.
Mickelson was quoted as saying via Sports Illustrated:
"My gambling got to a point of being reckless and embarrassing. I had to address it. And I’ve been addressing it for a number of years. And for hundreds of hours of therapy. I feel good where I’m at there. My family and I are and have been financially secure for some time"
Alan Shipnuck claimed in Mickelson's biography that the veteran lost $40 million in gambling between 2010 and 2014.