Veteran golfer Phil Mickelson has reportedly had his membership at a prestigious San Diego golf club terminated following allegations of “inappropriate contact” with a female employee. The Farms Golf Club is understood to have cancelled Mickelson's membership after an incident that allegedly occurred earlier this spring.
Reports, citing multiple sources, suggest the 55-year-old was accused by an employee of “nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact” prior to a round of golf. Mickelson was reportedly confronted about the incident during his game and subsequently left the property. The club has issued a statement confirming that following a staff member's report of misconduct, it provided support, conducted a thorough independent investigation, and took “decisive action”, resulting in the individual no longer being a member.
A spokesperson for Mickelson stated that “any misunderstanding has been cleared up” and that the golfer continues to attend to a family health matter, making his return to professional golf uncertain. Mickelson has been largely absent from the LIV tour this season due to these family issues, missing key tournaments including the Masters in April and the US PGA Championship in May.
This development adds further uncertainty to the future of the six-time major winner's career, particularly given ongoing doubts about the longevity of the LIV tour, which is reportedly set to lose its Saudi Arabian funding. Mickelson is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished players in golf history.
Attorney Tom Clare, representing Mickelson, informed Golf Digest that there is “a great deal of misinformation circulating” and that Mickelson, while focused on a private family health matter, has retained defamation counsel and intends to hold accountable any publication or individual spreading speculation or false rumours.