Golf

Golf superstar Phil Mickelson is addressing the rumors that have followed him for years ... coming clean about his gambling problem and opening up on his successful treatment.

Lefty dropped a statement on the matter Monday on social media ... saying while millions of fans will be enjoying their fantasy football season and betting in moderation, he will not -- and it's because his hobby turned into an obsession.

"I wont be betting this year because I crossed the line of moderation and into addiction which isn’t any fun at all," Mickelson said ... adding his financial losses due to his gambling weren't devastating, but the impact it had on his personal life was crushing.

"'You’re here but you’re not with us,' is something I’ve been told often throughout my addiction," Mickelson said. "It affected those I care about in ways I wasn’t aware or could fully understand. 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 go back inside and not deal with it."

Mickelson said some people close to him throughout his addiction were enablers disguised as friends ... but there was one person in his corner who helped him through his darkest times -- his wife, Amy.

"I couldn’t have gotten through this without her," Mickelson added. "I’m so grateful for her strength in helping us get through the many challenges I’ve created for us. Because of her love, support, and commitment, I’m back on track to being the person I want to be."

Phil also revealed he sought professional help for years and is still recovering ... but is moving in the right direction every day without gambling.

American actor Christopher McDonald was in his early 40s when he rose to prominence with his antagonistic movie roles like playing Shooter McGavin -- the cocky, talented and arrogant pro golfer -- in "Happy Gilmore" starring Adam Sandler ... back in the 90s.

McDonald's other notable characters include 'Daryl' -- the controlling husband -- in "Thelma and Louise", 'Ward Cleaver' -- the white-collar workman in New York City -- in "Ward Cleaver" and 'Wilson Croft' -- who steals Flubber from professor Philip Brainard (played by Robin Williams) in "Flubber."

To this day, Christopher McDonald still hops into his 'Shooter McGavin' character when he's out on the green!

El actor estadounidense Christopher McDonald tenía poco más de 40 años cuando saltó a la fama con sus papeles antagónicos en el cine, como el de Scooter McGavin -el engreído, talentoso y arrogante golfista profesional- en "Happy Gilmore", protagonizada por Adam Sandler allá por los 90s.

Otros personajes notables de McDonald son 'Daryl' -el marido controlador en "Thelma y Louise"- 'Ward Cleaver', el obrero de cuello blanco de Nueva York en "Ward Cleaver" y 'Wilson Croft', que le roba a Flubber al profesor Philip Brainard (interpretado por Robin Williams) en "Flubber".

A día de hoy, Christopher McDonald sigue metiéndose en su personaje de 'Scooter McGavin' cuando sale al campo.

Jalen Hurts, Angel Reese and Ronald Acuña Jr. got 'Next' ... 'cause the star athletes were just named to a prestigious Time magazine list naming the future leaders of the world!

The "100Next" list, compiled by Time, recognizes the "100 emerging leaders from around the world who are shaping the future and defining the next generation of leadership" ... from sports stars to scientists.

Hurts -- who earned the cover spot on the magazine (there are also versions with singer/songwriter Kelsea Ballerini and Chef Mory Sacko) -- along with Reese, and Acuña Jr. are three of seven athletes to grace the list.

21-year-old Reese led the LSU Tigers women's basketball team to their first National Championship last year ... making history along the way with 34 double-doubles. Hoops great Candace Parker wrote about Angel for Time ... and she phrased it perfectly.

"Angel Reese is having more than just a moment. She’s just getting started."

As for 25-year-old Acuna Jr., the Braves star is the overwhelming favorite for National League MVP ... and future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera believes Ronald could be one of the best ever.

"Ronald? He has a great chance of becoming the best Venezuelan-born baseball player ever. It’s as simple as that," Venezulean-born Cabrera wrote for Time.

Let that sink in ... better than Cabrera. The Cabrera that's hit 510 home runs, made 12 All-Star teams, won 2 AL MVPs and a Triple Crown in 2012. Oh, he's also a World Series champ.

With Acuna, Miggy says it's more than just numbers.

"Ronald is more than just his statistics. He is the kind of player that fans pay to watch play. He can change the game with a single hit, his defense, or his baserunning."

As for Jalen, he's one of the best football players in the league ... and is expected to be in the mix for yet another trip to the Super Bowl this season. Hurts was paid very handsomely in the offseason ... signing a $255 million extension.

Peyton Manning, writing for Time, heaped praise on the Eagles QB.

"He’s not celebrating. He doesn’t see it as a reward. He sees it for what it is: the Eagles are paying him for what they expect him to do now," Manning said.

"He’s a model of how to approach a job. This is where the hard work begins."

USWNT's Sophia Smith, American golfer Rose Zhang, Indian cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, and Spanish soccer star Salma Paralluelo were the other athletes who earned a spot on the list.

Wild scene out on a South African course this week ... a golfer was stalked by a hyena all the way through a fairway -- though, somehow, the guy managed to keep his cool the whole time.

The tense moments unfolded at Skukuza Golf Club in Kruger National Park ... when a man who was trying to get in a casual 18 was joined by an unexpected visitor after teeing off.

You can see in selfie footage that the man filmed ... a hyena walked up to him -- and then followed him closely for a couple hundred feet.

But, the golfer wasn't rattled by the animal being so close to him ... in fact, he smiled -- and even joked, "Got a new caddie on the golf course."

Eventually, despite getting within a couple yards of the golfer, the hyena turned its attention elsewhere.

While it might seem weird the dude never panicked -- the wild encounter is actually not a rare sight at the South African course ... in fact, just a couple days ago, some lions were seen chompin' on a sprinkler head near a green.

Perhaps LeBron James wasn't kidding when he said he'd play in Saudi Arabia if the bag was big enough ... 'cause the King was spotted in the country, just weeks after he made the comment on social media.

Bron was in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, earlier this week. The exact reason for the trip is unclear, but James was seen hanging out in a gymnasium with a banner that said "Welcome to Arabia" and "Ministry of Sport."

LeBron was invited to watch a match between Saudi prospects at the AZM Academy, according to an online report.

So, while Lakers fans shouldn't worry (for now, at least) ... it doesn't seem impossible that James could play in Saudi for a massive amount of money after his NBA career is over.

In July, the Lakers superstar used a Tom Hanks' Forrest Gump GIF to show how fast he'd go to the Middle Eastern company if he got Kylian Mbappe-type money (the French soccer superstar got a staggering $776 million offer to play for Al-Hilal, but turned the money down).

Many fans perceived LBJ's tweet as a joke, but ... maybe not.

LeBron's not alone. We talked to Giannis Antetokounmpo a few weeks ago about the same subject ... and the Milwaukee Bucks superstar told us he'd be down to suit up in Saudi if the cash was right.

Just James visiting the country will likely be enough to spark a debate ... considering Saudi Arabia's history of human rights violations.

Despite the controversy, Saudi Arabia, with their enormous wealth, has lured some of the world's biggest athletes to their country, including Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo. Golfers like Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, among others, also bolted for Saudi.

Zac Efron's got one of the best bods in all of Hollywood ... though he's got some serious competition within his own family.

The actor just shared a series of shirtless thirst traps from a recent getaway to Idaho with his brother Dylan, who is giving his more famous sibling a run for his money when it comes to hotness.

Zac and Dylan both ditched their shirts during a boat day out on Lake Coeur d’Alene, where they showed off their abs and chiseled bodies as they did some wakeboarding.

The Efrons also hit the links for a round of golf ... and Dylan says Zac came out on top ... though Dylan says he got revenge by pushing Zac into the lake.

There are a lot of thirst traps, but also some wholesome family content ... and even some snaps of Zac falling off his wakeboard.

Zac's always been known as a super hottie but his Hollywood producer brother is coming in hot here soo ... so we gotta ask.

Former U.S. Open champ Gary Woodland just announced some scary news -- he's undergoing surgery to remove a lesion from his brain next month ... though he said he's in good spirits despite it all.

Woodland said on X on Wednesday morning he was actually diagnosed with the ailment a few months ago ... though he had initially tried to treat it with medication.

However, he says after talking it over with docs recently, he's now decided to go under the knife to try to remedy the problem.

"We've made the decision that surgery to remove the lesion is the best course of action," the 39-year-old said.

"I'm in good spirits," he added, "with my family and team by my side and so thankful for the love and support of everyone."

Woodland -- who holds four career PGA Tour wins, including the 2019 U.S. Open -- said surgery is slated for Sept. 18.

Big milestone for Brooks Koepka and Jena Sims -- the golf star and his model wife brought their child home this week ... 20 days after the baby boy was born.

The first-time parents shared the awesome news on Thursday ... posing with little Crew at the Jupiter Medical Center, where he spent nearly three weeks receiving treatment in the NICU.

Sims praised everyone involved in treating their son over that tough period ... calling the staffers "angels on earth."

"He's ours now," Sims said.

It's been a long journey to get Crew home after he was born six weeks early. At the time, Sims detailed the agony she was going through, saying, "leaving the hospital without your baby is something I wish on no one."

But, things are much better now ... and the family couldn't be happier!!

In fact, Crew is now getting acquainted with their adorable pup, Cove ... with the four-legged friend already sniffing around as he lay in a carrier at home.

Congratulations are in order for Brooks Koepka and Jena Sims -- the golf star and his model wife just welcomed a baby boy!!

The married couple shared the exciting news on Thursday ... posting a pic with their new bundle of joy -- Crew Sims Koepka, who was born last week.

"I love my Crew," Brooks captioned his announcement on Instagram ... which shows the first-time parents smiling from ear to ear.

Jena detailed the whole experience ... saying, "Crew Sims Koepka was ready for the world because he decided to break my water just 2 minutes after Brooks walked inside the house from the gym on Thursday, July 27th at 5:50 PM."

Jena added the arrival was six weeks ahead of schedule ... joking Crew is "Already showing us who's boss."

"My incredible team had him out in a matter of 3 hours after going into active labor."

Jena praised her husband for his support throughout the process ... saying, "He made me laugh when I needed to, cried with me, held me, did everything possible he could to help my healing in the hospital, and I'm just so grateful."

Crew is currently in the NICU with an undisclosed health complication, but Jena explained things are going in the right direction ... as he is off oxygen, breathing on his own and "meeting tiny milestones every day!"

The new mother shared her agony over leaving the hospital without her son ... but said they have been visiting their little boy as much as they can.

Brooks and Jena went public with their romance at the U.S. Open in 2017 ... and they tied the knot in 2022.

A Canadian golfer is now in the market for a new bag for his clubs ... 'cause a bear just stole his old one while he was out on a course in British Columbia!!

The wild scene all happened at Westwood Plateau ... when Jerome Jean-Yak was getting set to tee off on one of the course's holes.

But, as you can see in video that one of the golfer's buddy's shot ... a bear snuck up on them -- and decided to rip Jean-Yak's bag from a cart!!

"It came out of the woods, came to our carts, searched through our bags," Jean-Yak said of the incident to Global News. "There was no food in any of the golf bags, but for some reason, it picked my bag to pull off the cart."

Video shows the bear tore the thing to pieces ... before he dragged it down a hill.

For some reason, though, Jean-Yak tried to chase after it ... pleading with the animal to let it go.

"Hey!" he shouted at the bear repeatedly. "No!"

The bear, however, didn't give it up ... taking it into a nearby ravine -- before vanishing.

Brian Harman is making the best of his shiny, new trophy after winning the Open Championship this weekend ... 'cause the golf star turned the Claret Jug into his own drinking device!!

Fresh off claiming his first major title at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Harman chugged a beer right from his earned hardware ... and he passed the cup around the room for his buddies to share.

It all happened at Hickory's Smokehouse in West Kirby, England ... with PGA Tour caddy Aaron Flener sharing the clips on social media.

Harman's longtime caddy, Scott Tway, also partook in the celebration ... drinking and posing with the 152-year-old relic with a big grin on his face.

Across the weekend, Harman weathered the rainy conditions at The Open and came out victorious in dominant fashion.

The 36-year-old pro finished 13 under par ... becoming the first American golfer to win the tournament by six strokes since Tiger Woods in 2000.

Previously, the closest Harman came to a major win was when he finished runner-up at the 2017 US Open.

Harman will have plenty more time to live it up -- and take more sips -- on his 10-hour flight back to the Peach State.

Jon Rahm's gonna have to wash his mouth out with soap ... 'cause the golf star was caught letting an expletive fly after a putt didn't go his way at the Open Championship on Friday -- passionately yelling out, "F***!!!"

The outburst happened on hole 10 in the second round as Rahm was looking to make par ... but things didn't go as planned, and he let everyone hear his frustration.

"Apologies for any language there," the announcer said shortly after the f-bomb.

The 28-year-old Spanish pro hasn't been the happiest of campers at the Royal Liverpool Golf Course this week ... voicing his frustrations over his play, as well as the amount of people surrounding him during the first round.

He even teed off on the media members who were following Rory McIlroy ... saying he had a "boom mic on my ass" as cameras kept up with his pairing partner.

The two-time major winner will have some work to do if he's looking to improve his spot in the standings ... he's currently tied for 49th at +2 through two rounds.

Swizz Beatz felt it best to channel Al Pacino's Scarface out in Miami for DJ Khaled's We The Best golf tournament ... judging from the new "Tony Montana" track he spun to get his fellow rap stars grooving!!!

TMZ Hip Hop obtained video from Timbaland giving Swizz a grand intro Wednesday as he deejayed Khaled's pre-party.

Swizz let the beat drop on the Scarface-inspired track ... and began rapping about waking up and putting on a suit like the infamous fictional gangsta.

Khaled and son Asahd, Diddy, and Jeezy all approved of the track, and sources at the party tell us the room was quite the royal hip-hop royal ballroom, mixed with pro-athlete elites.

We're told Quavo, Fat Joe, Bun B, Angie Martinez, Cedric The Entertainer, all convened under the tent with the likes of Matt Barnes, Bubba Wallace, Terrell Owens, Gary Sheffield ... and many more!!!

Diddy also got a sneak peek grab at the winner's trophy and hoisted it like it was throughout the function.

Viktor Hovland had a truly crappy shot at the Open Championship on Thursday ... when a bird decided to drop a deuce all over the golf star right as he was about to swing!!

The gross moment went down on the 15th hole of the major tournament in Liverpool --Hovland was lined up for his second shot ... when a savage bird flew by and handled its business right on top of his arm.

"What was that??" Hovland's caddy asked ... to which the fifth-ranked player in the world responded, "I just got s*** on."

Hovland's caddy did the dirty work and wiped away the doo-doo with a towel ... as the pro looked up in the sky in search of the culprit.

The announcers also had fun with the incident ... saying, "A bird just dropped 'something' on Viktor Hovland" as the booth giggled.

Forget the PGA, Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan were all about the PDA at a golf tournament Thursday ... touchin' and smoochin' each other all over the course.

The couple attended DJ Khaled's inaugural "We the Best Foundation Golf Classic" in Miami ... and the two -- as they've been for most of the past few months -- were inseparable.

They shared a golf cart for most of the day -- planting kisses on each other while riding from hole to hole. They could hardly keep their hands off each other on the greens as well ... getting in embraces in between putts.

Jordan, though, was able to separate himself from Larsa for at least a few minutes to get his ball up and down the fairways -- and his swing didn't look too bad!

His attire wasn't shabby either ... check out the sweet, pink Jordan 4 cleats he sported for the occasion!!

As we've previously reported ... Jordan and Pippen began their romance in late 2022 -- and despite Michael Jordan's apparent disapproval of it all, they've been going as strong as ever.

In fact, Pippen said on her and Marcus' "Separation Anxiety" podcast earlier this month she's "never been this happy with anyone."