Phil Mickelson’s biggest critic has tipped him for a shock return to the PGA Tour after it emerged he has been in rehab amid ongoing personal issues.

Mickelson reportedly entered and has already left an addiction center. His representatives told TMZ: ‘Phil was seeking treatment for family trauma and addiction.’

The news comes after the 56-year-old, a six-time major champion, stepped away from professional golf this year. 

In the meantime, LIV Golf has been torn apart after the withdrawal of Saudi funding, leading to questions over the future of its stars.

Brandel Chamblee, now lead analyst on Golf Channel after his own playing career ended, has been the most outspoken critic of those who turned their backs on the PGA Tour for LIV Golf.

He also has a long history with Mickelson in particular, who told GOLF Magazine in 2018: ‘He and I don’t see eye to eye on anything.’

Phil Mickelson has been tipped for a PGA Tour return after spending time in a rehab facility

Brandel Chamblee has long been one of Mickelson and LIV Golf’s most vocal public critics

But Mickelson has found a surprising olive branch from Chamblee, who believes the legendary leftie would be forgiven and welcomed back if he wanted to be. 

Speaking on the We Need a Fourth podcast, Chamblee was asked whether Mickelson has tarnished his legacy for good. 

‘I don’t know about forever,’ he said. ‘I think we’re in a pretty forgiving world. He’s obviously got his demons that he fights, and I wouldn’t wish them on anybody, but he’s not alone in fighting demons. 

‘I think if he hadn’t gone to LIV, he would have been Arnold Palmer reincarnated. He would have been Ryder Cup captain numerous times. He would have been an honorary starter at Augusta. He would have been the lead analyst at CBS. He would have been the pied piper everywhere he went.

‘But I think if he came back and said ‘look, I’ve made mistakes, I’ve tried to deal with them. Sorry for the damage I’ve caused. 

‘The game’s been so good to me. And for the rest of my life, I’m going to try and be good back to it’, I think everyone would put their arms around him and go ‘welcome back, sorry you had so much trouble, hope you get your life straightened out’. 

‘Life’s hard, it doesn’t matter who you’re talking into, running into. Everybody’s dealing with something. Everybody’s got some battle that they’ve faced or will face. 

‘I started doing commentary in 2004, so 2004 until Phil left, I used to say Phil was a gift to the game of golf. His talent, his showmanship, his look at me quality, it was incredible. What a talent, what an amazing talent.’ 

The golfer and his wife are seen taking in the action on the Sunday of the 2021 Ryder Cup 

Mickelson and Amy are pictured with their children, Evan, Sophie and Amanda, after his victory at the 2013 Open Championship

Mickelson stepped away from golf earlier this year and cited an unspecified private family matter involving his wife, Amy, for his absence. 

Mickelson has been married to Amy, 54, for almost 30 years after tying the knot back in November 1996. The couple share three children together in Evan, Sophie and Amanda. 

He has been candid about his struggles with gambling, previously opening up on his addiction in 2023. 

He said at the time that he had ‘crossed the line from moderation into addiction which isn’t fun at all.’

‘The money wasn’t ever the issue since our financial security has never been threatened, but I was so distracted I wasn’t able to be present with the ones I love and caused a lot of harm,’ he said. 

He also described how this ‘lack of presence’ has been ‘so hurtful’ for his family, saying he’s been ‘often’ told throughout his addiction, ‘You’re here, but you’re not with us.’

‘It affected those I care about in ways I wasn’t aware or could fully understand,’ Mickelson said. ‘It’s like a hurricane is going on outside and I’m isolated in a shelter oblivious to what was happening.’

‘When I came out there was so much damage to clean up that I just wanted to back inside and not deal with it,’ he added.