Phil Mickelson once powered through a PGA Tour event while dealing with a sports hernia. The six-time Major champion underwent umbilical hernia surgery on October 19, 2016, just three days after trying for eighth place at the season-opening Safeway Open in Napa, California.Speaking to Golf Channel's Rosaforte, Mickelson explained:"It was a walnut-sized hernia behind my belly button. It was no big deal, nor did it affect me when I played. I pushed it back in every minute or so. I couldn’t work out as intensely as I wanted to, that’s all. It didn’t hurt or affect me. It was just annoying.”Despite the surgery, the 55-year-old had a strong 2016 season. He secured three runner-up finishes at Pebble Beach, the FedEx St. Jude Classic and the most notable at The Open Stenson at Royal Troon. Mickelson also played a key role in the United States' Ryder Cup victory at Hazeltine. He secured a memorable singles match draw with Sergio Garcia that featured 10 birdies.After the successful surgery, Mickelson said he would be able to resume his off-season fitness program. He was expected to return to action at the 2017 CareerBuilder Challenge, where he also served as the tournament's ambassador. In addition to that, Phil Mickelson also revealed his psoriatic arthritis.Phil Mickelson's brave recovery from a painful illness that nearly ended his careerPhil Mickelson is still actively competing on the LIV Golf. At 40, the six-time Major winner was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. It's an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack its joints and tendons. The pain was so much that it left Mickelson immobile at times and deeply uncertain about his future in golf. In 2010, Mickeosn revealed via ESPN:"I'm surprised at how quickly it's gone away and how quickly it's been able to be managed and controlled. I feel 100 percent, like I say. But when I'm laying there on the couch and I can't move, you know, yeah, I had some concerns. But I feel a lot better now."I certainly had the gamut of thoughts. ... I would just lay down and I couldn't roll over. I was concerned about being able to swing a club and so forth."Luckily, with the help of medical treatment, Mickelson made an impressive recovery. Moreover, as of the 2025 season, Phil Mickelson recorded a solo third-place finish at LIV Golf Hong Kong. He shot a 14-under and buoyed his HyFlyers team to a podium placement. Recently at LIV golf Virginia, Mickelson carded a 6-under 65 in the final round to finish tied for fourth at 13-under. He shot seven birdies. Other top-25 finishes include T6 in Miami, T22 in Mexico City and T23 in Adelaide.