Phil Mickelson insists ‘reckless’ gambling not behind decision to join LIV Golf

Phil Mickelson is embarrassed by his “reckless” gambling but insists his decision to join the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series this week has nothing to do with financial difficulty.

Reports have suggested the six-time major winner lost about 40million US dollars (£32m) between 2010 and 2014.

However, the left-hander insists he and his family remain financially secure and signing up to the breakaway series has more to do with giving him more freedom over his playing schedule than chasing lost money.

“At this point in my life, just as importantly, it gives some balance in my life for Amy (his wife) and I,” he told Sports Illustrated.

“My family and I are and have been financially secure for some time.

“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.

“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 isn’t a threat to me or my financial security. It was just a number of poor decisions.

“It’s embarrassing. I don’t like that people know. The fact is I’ve been dealing with it for some time.

“Amy has been very supportive of it and with me and the process. We’re at place after many years where I feel comfortable with where that is.”

Mickelson has flown to England to join a 48-man field for the first LIV Golf tournament at Centurion Club in Hertfordshire.

He and two-time major winner Dustin Johnson and European Ryder Cup stars such as Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell and Martin Kaymer will play for a £20.2million prize fund and £4m winner’s cheque.

Back in February the 51-year-old