Phil Mickelson banned from San Diego golf club amid misconduct allegations
Phil Mickelson has been removed from membership at a private golf club in the San Diego area following allegations that he made unwanted physical contact with a female employee earlier this year.
The incident allegedly occurred at The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, where the six-time major champion has long practiced and played. According to reports, the woman rejected Mickelson's advances and reported the incident to club management.
A representative for Mickelson said any misunderstanding surrounding the matter has been resolved and noted that the golfer continues to focus on a serious family health issue. The spokesperson added that Mickelson remains uncertain about when he will return to professional competition.
Club officials reportedly launched an independent investigation after receiving the employee's complaint. Following the review, Mickelson was confronted by club leadership and instructed to leave the property.
In a statement, The Farms Golf Club said it provided immediate and ongoing support to the employee, conducted a thorough investigation, and took decisive action. The club confirmed that the individual involved is no longer a member but declined further comment, citing privacy and safety concerns for both staff and members.
The employee's identity has not been publicly disclosed, and she has not spoken publicly about the allegations.
Mickelson, 55, has appeared in only one tournament this year while dealing with an undisclosed family health matter. He skipped both the Masters and PGA Championship and no longer holds an exemption into the U.S. Open.
The controversy marks another setback for one of golf's most recognizable figures. Once celebrated as one of the sport's most popular players, Mickelson has faced several high-profile controversies in recent years.
In 2016, he agreed to repay nearly $1 million in profits tied to an insider trading case in which he was not criminally charged. He has also faced scrutiny over reports of extensive sports gambling activity, including claims that he wagered more than $1 billion over three decades.
Despite the controversies, Mickelson remains one of the most accomplished players in golf history. In 2021, he became the oldest major champion ever by winning the PGA Championship at age 50. He later emerged as a leading figure in the launch of LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed rival league that challenged the PGA Tour and reshaped the professional golf landscape.
The latest allegations come as LIV Golf faces uncertainty following the announcement that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund will end its financial support of the league after this season.
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