Phil Mickelson Removed from The Farms Golf Club Following Misconduct Investigation

The six-time major champion is no longer a member of the exclusive Rancho Santa Fe club after a staff member reported an incident of alleged inappropriate physical contact.

Incident and Investigation

According to reports, the incident involving Mickelson and a female employee of the club occurred in the spring of 2024. Reports differ on the exact location, with some sources stating it occurred in the clubhouse and others stating it occurred before a round of golf. The nature of the allegation is described as nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact or unwanted physical contact, as reported by Golf Digest.

The Farms Golf Club confirmed that a staff member reported the incident. The club stated it provided immediate and ongoing support to the employee and conducted a "thorough independent investigation." As a result of the investigation, the club stated it took "decisive action." Mickelson was reportedly confronted on the golf course during a round and asked to leave the property.

Official Statements

The Farms Golf Club

The club issued a statement confirming that "This individual is no longer a member of The Farms Golf Club." The club declined to comment further, citing the safety and privacy of its staff and members.

Phil Mickelson's Spokesperson

A spokesperson for Mickelson stated, "Any misunderstanding has been cleared up. Phil continues to attend to a family health matter and is uncertain when he will be able to return to professional golf."

Phil Mickelson's Attorney

Attorney Tom Clare stated that Mickelson has retained defamation counsel. Clare asserted there is "a great deal of misinformation circulating" and that Mickelson is "determined to hold accountable any publication or individual trafficking in speculation or false rumors." Clare also stated that video evidence exists which he says contradicts the allegations. The Farms Golf Club has stated that no video cameras were in the area where the alleged incident occurred.

Law Enforcement Response

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office stated that it investigated the matter and did not locate evidence to show an assault occurred at The Farms. The Sheriff's Office noted that it would investigate further if provided with additional evidence.

Background on Phil Mickelson

Mickelson, a San Diego native, has had a long association with The Farms Golf Club, having played and practiced there for decades.

Recent Golf Activity

Mickelson has played sparingly in 2024. He cited an undisclosed serious family health matter as the reason for his reduced schedule. He missed the Masters, the US PGA Championship, and did not qualify for the 2024 U.S. Open.

Professional History

Mickelson became the oldest major champion in history at the 2021 PGA Championship. He has won six major PGA Tour championships in total.

LIV Golf

Mickelson joined the LIV Golf league in 2022. He had previously made critical remarks about the Saudi Arabian government, the league's primary financial backer, for which he later apologized.

Legal and Financial Matters

In 2016, Mickelson was named as a relief defendant in a securities fraud case by the SEC, repaying nearly $1 million. In 2023, gambler Billy Walters claimed in an autobiography that Mickelson wagered more than $1 billion over 30 years. Mickelson has acknowledged a gambling addiction and stated he received therapy.