An unidentified gambler is apparently a huge Phil Mickelson fan, making a $45,000 bet on Lefty to win the US Open. The wager was made Thursday at a William Hill facility in Las Vegas and, if Mickelson is victorious, would net the ticket holder $3.375 million.
Nick Bogdanovich, William Hill US director of trading, confirmed the bet and said it’s the second-largest golf wager the sportsbook has taken.
When Mickelson heard of the US Open bet, he took to Twitter to comment.
That prompted Joe Asher, William Hill US CEO, to reply.
Mickelson told reporters at the Safeway Open on Friday, where he ultimately missed the cut, he would love to reward his secret backer.
“I’m going to play hard for him, but play hard for me first,†Mickelson said. “I hope we both come out winners.â€
Return to the Scene of the Choke
In 2006, Winged Foot was the site of one of Mickelson’s best chances to win the US Open, and it appeared he would reward those who bet on him. Mickelson entered the US Open as a 13/2 pick, second only to Tiger Woods, who was the favorite at 5/1.
While Woods missed the cut, Mickelson was around the top of the leaderboard after the third round. Entering the final round, he was a stroke behind Geoff Ogilvy. By the time Mickelson reached the final hole, he had a one-stroke lead.
Then disaster struck. Mickelson sliced his tee shot, leading to a double bogey. He finished a stroke behind Ogilvy. It was one of six runner-up finishes for Mickelson, who only has to win the US Open to complete the career grand slam.
After the crushing defeat, Mickelson was stunned. He told reporters it would take some time to get over the disappointment.
“Well, I still am in shock that I did that,†Mickelson said. “I just can’t believe that I did that, I am such an idiot. I just couldn’t hit a fairway all day.â€
Long Shot to Win US Open
Mickelson winning the US Open is definitely a long-shot bet. The 50-year-old hasn’t seriously contended for the major championship since he finished tied for second in 2014.
Mickelson US Open Results
| Year | Place | Odds |
| 2019 | T-52 | 25/1 |
| 2018 | T-48 | 25/1 |
| 2017 | DNP | N/A |
| 2016 | M/C | 25/1 |
| 2015 | T-64 | 12/1 |
| 2014 | T-2 | 15/1 |
Mickelson has seen some positives in his game this year. He finished tied for third at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in February, and finished tied for second at the FedEx St. Jude Invitational last month.
In the only major to be played thus far this year, Mickelson tied for 71st at the PGA Championship. He did win his PGA Tour Champions debut.