Mickelson Club Allegations
Phil Mickelson Removed from Golf Club After Allegations of Inappropriate Contact
Key Points
Golf Digest said it “identified and verified the employee” involved in the allegation but withheld her name to protect her privacy; the employee declined to participate in the story.
Mickelson’s competitive status going into the next majors: Sporting News reported he hasn’t played in any major this year and hasn’t played in a professional tournament since taking a leave of absence from LIV Golf earlier this season; he was also “not expected to compete at the U.S. Open next week,” marking only the second time he has missed the tournament since 1994.
Golf Digest detailed its contact attempts: it reached out to Mickelson via his representatives on June 5, then provided him another opportunity to respond, and his attorney (Tom Clare) responded to Golf Digest on June 7.
Phil Mickelson has been removed from The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, after a female employee accused him of nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact, Golf Digest reported on June 11. Club officials confronted the six-time major champion mid-round and ordered him off the property. He is no longer a member.
Mickelson's attorney, Tom Clare, fired back, claiming the allegations are "squarely contradicted by objective, video evidence" and that Mickelson is pursuing defamation-related legal action, according to Golf Digest. A spokesperson for Mickelson said any "misunderstanding has been cleared up."
Club Confronted Mickelson on the Course and Expelled Him
The alleged incident happened earlier this spring inside the clubhouse at The Farms, a private club about 25 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, Golfweek reported. The female employee said Mickelson made unwanted physical contact and reported it to supervisors while he was still on the course. Club officials launched an immediate independent investigation.
Once the review was complete, staff located Mickelson mid-round and confronted him directly. He was told to leave the property and his membership was terminated, according to Daily Voice. The club also removed a Mickelson display from the premises. In a statement, the club said it is committed to "a golf club environment that is safe, respectful and reflects the highest standards of conduct."
Attorney Claims Video Evidence Contradicts the Accusation
Golf Digest said it reached out to Mickelson's representatives on June 5 and gave him a second chance to respond. His attorney, Tom Clare, replied on June 7. Clare argued the account of the incident is "squarely contradicted by objective, video evidence" and signaled Mickelson may sue for defamation.
However, Golf Digest reported its own investigation found no such video. The club confirmed that cameras do not cover the specific area of the clubhouse where the alleged contact occurred. Golf Digest said it "identified and verified the employee" but withheld her name to protect her privacy. She declined to participate in the story.
Mickelson Has Been Away From Golf All Year
Mickelson stepped away from professional golf on February 1, citing a private family health matter involving his wife, Amy. His only competitive start in 2026 was at LIV Golf South Africa, where he tied for 48th place, according to Daily Voice. He missed the Masters and withdrew from the PGA Championship.
Sporting News reported Mickelson is also not expected to play in the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills next week. The USGA denied him a special invitation. That would make this only the second time he has missed the tournament since 1994. His five-year exemption from his 2021 PGA Championship win has expired.
Club Cites California Law as It Limits Public Comment
The Farms Golf Club tied its review process directly to "California Law" in its public statement. That framing signals the decision was not just reputational but legally driven. The club said it could not share further details, citing the need to protect the "safety and privacy" of staff and members.
The episode adds to a turbulent stretch for Mickelson, already a polarizing figure after his high-profile move to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour and past gambling disclosures. With no major starts in 2026, a club expulsion, and a looming legal dispute, his near-term return to competition remains deeply uncertain, Golfweek noted.
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