Veteran golfer Phil Mickelson has reportedly been expelled from The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, following allegations of unwanted physical contact with a female employee. The incident, first reported by Golf Digest, is said to have occurred earlier this spring within the clubhouse premises.
According to reports, Mickelson, aged 55, allegedly approached the female employee and engaged in non-consensual physical contact. The employee reportedly rejected these advances and subsequently reported the incident to her supervisors. Following this report, the club initiated a thorough independent investigation into the matter.
The Farms Golf Club confirmed the expulsion in a statement to Golf Digest, without specifically naming Mickelson. The statement read: “Following a staff member report of member misconduct, the club provided immediate and ongoing support to the staff member, conducted a thorough independent investigation of the incident and took decisive action. This individual is no longer a member of The Farms Golf Club.” The club cited the need to protect the safety and privacy of its staff and members as a reason for not commenting further.
A spokesperson for Mickelson addressed the allegations, telling Golf Digest that “Any misunderstanding has been cleared up.” The spokesperson also reiterated that Mickelson continues to attend to a family health matter, making his return to professional golf uncertain. Mickelson has made only one appearance this year, missing major tournaments such as the Masters and the PGA Championship.
This latest development adds to a series of controversies surrounding the six-time major champion. Mickelson was a prominent figure in the establishment of the Saudi-funded LIV Golf tour, facing significant criticism and losing sponsorships in 2022 after comments about the Saudi backers. His past has also included legal scrutiny, notably his involvement as a relief defendant in an insider trading scheme in 2016, where he repaid nearly £800,000 (approximately $1 million) without facing criminal charges. These incidents mark a challenging period for a golfer once widely celebrated for his distinctive playing style and rapport with fans.
Source: Golf Digest