PGA Tour golfer Jordan Spieth seemed to pump the brakes when responding to a question about the gambling habits of LIV Golf rival Phil Mickelson.

Spieth was talking to reporters at the FedEx St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee – the first leg of the FedEx Cup playoffs – when one asked him his opinion on the accusations brought up by Mickelson’s former gambling partner.

The three-time major winner began to give a candid response before immediately stopping, then backtracking and staying out of it.

‘I would say people were maybe a bit surprised at the amount of … I haven’t really seen a whole lot on it. 

‘I just saw what some people sent me and stuff, and it was so quick this morning that even if I wanted to comment I don’t think it’s a good idea,’ Spieth said.

Jordan Spieth stopped himself before answering a question about Phil Mickelson’s gambling

It was alleged yesterday that Mickelson tried placing a bet of $400k on the 2012 Ryder Cup

Mickelson had long been known as someone who would place bets on sports, but the scope and size had remained anonymous until portions of the upcoming memoir by his gambling partner, Billy Walters, were leaked.

In the book, Walters said that Mickelson bet more than $300million between 2010-2014 alone. 

‘Based on our relationship and what I’ve since learned from others, Phil’s gambling losses [between 2010 and 2014] approached not $40 million as has been previously reported, but much closer to $100 million,’ Walters writes.

Walters also said that Mickelson tried to bet $400,000 on the 2012 Ryder Cup – a team Mickelson was playing on – but Walters denied the request.

Mickelson released a statement on his Twitter account denying the accusation and saying that he was committed to the game’s integrity.

‘I never bet on the Ryder Cup. While it is well known that I always enjoy a friendly wager on the course, I would never undermine the integrity of the game,’ Mickelson said.

‘I have also been very open about my gambling addiction. I have previously conveyed my remorse, took responsibility, have gotten help, have been fully committed to therapy that has positively impacted me and I feel good about where I am now.’

Rory McIlroy took the chance to give a subtle dig toward Mickelson before the 2023 Ryder Cup

Spieth’s taking of the high road differed from the path other golfers playing in the tournament took.

Rory McIlroy – a longtime opponent of LIV Golf – seemed to revel in Mickelson’s misfortune when asked about it by reporters.

He responded with a mischievous smile: ‘At least he can bet on the Ryder Cup this year because he won’t be a part of it.’

Mickelson will not be part of the Ryder Cup team this year – in part due to his Official World Golf Ranking.