Phil Mickelson isn't exactly a guy who does things halfway. Whether it's a high-stakes flop shot over a bunker or a massive career pivot to LIV Golf, "Lefty" tends to go all in. So, it shouldn't really surprise anyone that when he decided to pack his bags, he didn't just move to a new neighborhood—he basically swapped coasts entirely.
If you’re looking for a quick answer: Phil Mickelson lives on Jupiter Island, Florida.
But that’s kinda just the surface. The story of how he ended up there involves a decades-long saga of California taxes, a massive real estate "dream compound" project in San Diego that didn't quite go to plan, and a full-blown migration to the billionaire-heavy "Golf Mecca" of the East Coast.
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Honestly, the move was a long time coming. For a guy born and bred in San Diego, leaving the Golden State was a huge deal. But if you’ve followed his career, you know Phil has been vocal about California’s tax rates for over a decade. He basically reached a breaking point where the math didn't make sense anymore.
The Big Move to Jupiter Island
So, why Florida? Well, if you're a pro golfer, Jupiter is basically the center of the universe.
In late 2019, Phil and his wife, Amy, closed on a massive lot on Jupiter Island. It’s an ultra-exclusive barrier island where the median home price makes regular luxury look like a bargain. We're talking about a place where his neighbors include Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, and even celebrities like Celine Dion.
The plan was always to wait until their youngest son, Evan, finished high school in California. Once the graduation cap was tossed in 2021, the Mickelsons were gone.
What’s the Florida house like?
While Phil keeps his private life relatively guarded compared to the old days, we know a few things about the Jupiter Island setup:
- It’s a custom-built estate designed to handle a massive car collection.
- The lot is oceanfront, providing that total "Fortress of Solitude" vibe.
- It’s within striking distance of Michael Jordan’s The Grove XXIII, which is where you’ll often find Phil playing these days.
Living in Florida gives him a massive advantage: zero state income tax. When you're pulling in the kind of money LIV Golf paid him—reportedly around $200 million just for signing—that 13.3% savings you get by not living in California adds up to enough to buy a few extra private jets.
What Happened to the San Diego "Dream Compound"?
For years, the answer to where does Phil Mickelson live was always Rancho Santa Fe.
This is where it gets a little complicated. Phil didn't just have one house in San Diego; he had a vision. For nearly twenty years, he was "quietly" buying up adjacent plots of land in the prestigious Covenant community of Rancho Santa Fe.
The goal? A $100 million "dream compound."
He spent millions acquiring at least four different properties to create a massive, contiguous estate. At one point, he even reportedly offered $25 million for a neighbor's house that wasn't even on the market, just to secure the land. He wanted a private practice facility, guest houses, and enough space to basically never leave the gates.
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But sometimes plans change. Despite the years of land accumulation, the Mickelsons eventually sold their primary Tuscan-style residence at 5111 El Mirlo for about $7.25 million in 2021.
It was a beautiful spot—9,000 square feet, hand-carved walnut cabinetry, and a pool lined with Italian tile. But it wasn't Florida. The "dream compound" in California was essentially dismantled as they shifted their focus to the Atlantic coast.
The "Tax Rant" that Predicted the Future
You can't talk about Phil's current living situation without mentioning 2013.
Back then, Phil caused a minor media firestorm when he suggested he might have to make "drastic changes" because of his tax bill. He estimated that between federal and California state taxes, he was losing over 60% of his income.
People hammered him for it at the time. He actually had to issue an apology. But looking back at where he lives now, he was clearly serious. He didn't just want to save money; he wanted to be in a place that felt more hospitable to his wealth.
Where Does He Play Golf Now?
Living on Jupiter Island isn't just about the house; it's about the access.
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When Phil isn't traveling the world for the LIV Golf circuit, his "home" turf has shifted. In California, he was a staple at The Farms Golf Club and Aviara. Now, he’s part of the elite Jupiter golf scene.
- The Grove XXIII: This is Michael Jordan’s ultra-exclusive club in Hobe Sound. It’s famous for "The Slaughterhouse" layout and drone delivery for drinks. Phil is a regular there.
- The Bear’s Club: Jack Nicklaus’s masterpiece in Jupiter.
- Jupiter Island Club: A more traditional, old-money spot right in his backyard.
The Reality of Being a Jupiter Resident
Being a resident of Jupiter Island puts Phil in a very specific tax bracket. It’s one of the wealthiest zip codes in America.
Basically, the transition is complete. He’s no longer the "San Diego kid" who grew up hitting balls in his backyard. He’s a Florida man.
If you're ever driving down Beach Road on Jupiter Island, you probably won't see much. The hedges are high, the security is tight, and the residents value privacy above almost everything else. That’s exactly why Phil chose it. He can go from his front door to a world-class practice green in minutes without ever seeing a paparazzi lens.
Actionable Summary for Fans
If you're looking to follow in Phil's footsteps (at least geographically), here is the reality of his current lifestyle:
- Primary Residence: Jupiter Island, Florida (Move finalized circa 2021).
- Tax Status: Florida resident (No state income tax).
- Property Vibe: Ultra-private, oceanfront, custom-built for luxury and car storage.
- Golf Routine: Split between LIV Golf travel and exclusive South Florida clubs like The Grove XXIII.
The move marks the end of an era for California golf, but for Phil, it seems like the ultimate win-win. He gets the privacy, the weather, and a much lighter tax burden.
If you're planning a trip to the area to see the "Golf Capital," stick to the public spots like Tiger Woods' restaurant, The Woods Jupiter, or 1000 North. You won't get past the gates on Jupiter Island, but you'll definitely feel the high-stakes energy that drew Lefty to the Sunshine State in the first place.