Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson has had his membership at the exclusive Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, revoked following allegations of inappropriate contact with a female employee. The incident is reported to have occurred earlier this spring, leading to a complaint from the staff member and Mickelson being asked to leave the club mid-round.
The Farms Golf Club issued a statement confirming the termination of an individual's membership, without directly naming Mickelson. The club emphasised its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment, stating that 'all members are required to adhere to our Code of Conduct, and any allegations of misconduct are taken seriously.' The statement further detailed that following a staff report, the club provided immediate support, conducted a 'thorough independent investigation,' and subsequently took 'decisive action,' resulting in the individual no longer being a member. The club cited the need to protect the safety and privacy of its staff and members as a reason for not commenting further.
Mickelson, once one of golf's most popular figures known for his affable demeanour and daring play, has faced a series of controversies in recent years. At 51, he made history as the oldest man to win a major at the 2021 US PGA Championship. However, his image has been significantly impacted by his prominent role in the controversial LIV Golf breakaway tour, for which he received substantial criticism after making derogatory comments about its Saudi Arabian backers. He later apologised for these remarks, stating he had 'said and done a lot of things that I regret'.
Beyond the golf course, Mickelson has also been linked to a US federal investigation into insider trading, which led to the imprisonment of a friend. Furthermore, allegations of extensive gambling, including claims of wagering billions of dollars on sports, surfaced in a book by American bookmaker Billy Walters. Mickelson has openly acknowledged a gambling addiction, stating he has 'taken responsibility, have gotten help, have been fully committed to therapy'.
This latest development comes as Mickelson has been largely absent from competitive golf this year, having played only one LIV tournament in South Africa. His representatives have cited a 'family health matter' as the reason for his reduced schedule, and this absence is not believed to be connected to the alleged incident at The Farms Golf Club. He missed both the Masters and the US PGA Championship this year, despite being eligible, and will not compete in the upcoming US Open, a major he has never won despite six runner-up finishes.