Phil Mickelson still has support after gambling allegations

Golf

By Mark Cannizzaro

August 12, 2023 | 3:14am

One day after the explosive gambling allegations were levied at Phil Mickelson by convicted felon Billy Walters by way of an excerpt from a book he authored, Mickelson’s popularity among the fans and his fellow players didn’t change one bit. 

He remains as popular as he always has been based on a number of interviews of fans and players by The Post during Friday’s opening round of the LIV Golf event at Trump Bedminster. 

As the 53-year-old lefty star shot a 1-under 70 to stand in 10th place, four shots behind leader Cameron Smith (5-under), three shots behind Patrick Reed (4-under) and three back of Charles Howell III (3-under), Mickelson looked no worse for the wear after Walters accused him of allegedly wanting to place a bet on the 2012 U.S. Ryder Cup team (something Mickelson denied doing). 

Mickelson’s day began with a handshake from former President and tournament host Donald Trump, who sought him out on the practice range for a brief chat, before the round began. 

And, as he played his way around Trump Bedminster alongside playing partners Louis Oosthuizen and Joaquin Niemann, Mickelson was treated with the same adulation as he always has in his playing career. There were no snarky comments, just a lot of encouragement. 

One thing is clear about Mickelson: His peers stand in praise of him for being the LIV lightning rod, the man out front and the person who’s faced the most criticism. 

“Listen, he’s taken a lot of bullets,’’ Charles Howell III told The Post. “But when there’s something that you believe in — and obviously he’s believed in this change — then it’s worth doing. And Phil’s done that. Everybody out here owes Phil a ‘thank you’ for helping get this thing off the ground and going.’’ 

Howell has found some of the criticism Mickelson has taken cringe worthy. 

“I think a lot of people can always armchair quarterback any situation,’’ he said. “I also know that life is hard and no one’s perfect, so I’m going to be the last guy to throw any stone or make any judgment when everybody’s fighting a different battle.’’ 

Patrick Reed, who’s spent his share of time as a lightning rod, said Mickelson hasn’t changed since the day he first met him. 

“I feel like the interactions I’ve had with him — whether they were five years ago, two years ago or last week — they’re all the same,’’ Reed told The Post. “He hasn’t wavered, which shows you how head-strong he can be and how head-strong he is. Let’s be honest, there’s a lot of things that…