Phil Mickelson has been expelled from a San Diego golf club due to allegations of unwanted physical contact with a female employee, according to Golf Digest. The magazine reported that Mickelson is persona non grata at The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, a venue where the six-time major champion has long played and practiced. The incident allegedly occurred earlier this spring.
Mickelson, who played a key role in launching LIV Golf, has hardly been active this year due to a significant family health issue that remains undisclosed. He missed the Masters and PGA Championship and no longer qualifies for the U.S. Open. Golf Digest confirmed the identity of The Farms employee but withheld her name to protect her privacy. She chose not to contribute to the article. A spokesperson for Mickelson told the magazine, “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.”
Sources revealed that Mickelson approached the woman in the clubhouse, engaging in nonconsensual, inappropriate physical contact. She rejected his advances and reported the incident to her supervisors. The Farms conducted a thorough investigation upon learning of the report, eventually confronting Mickelson on the course and instructing him to leave. According to a statement by The Farms to Golf Digest, “Following a staff member report of member misconduct, the club provided immediate and ongoing support to the staff member, conducted a thorough independent investigation of the incident, and took decisive action. This individual is no longer a member of The Farms Golf Club.” For reasons of safety and privacy, they declined further comment on the matter.
The Farms, located close to Torrey Pines, hosts several top players as members, including Annika Sorenstam and Xander Schauffele, who reside mainly in Florida. This incident contributes to a difficult period for Mickelson, who has three children and was previously admired for his bold gameplay and engaging presence with fans.
In 2016, Mickelson was involved as a relief defendant in an insider trading scandal, requiring him to repay nearly $1 million. Though he was not criminally charged, the scandal involved gambler Billy Walters, who was sentenced to five years in prison. Walters later wrote a book, claiming Mickelson wagered over $1 billion in the past 30 years.
Mickelson made history as the oldest major champion with his victory at the 2021 PGA Championship. He was a crucial figure in launching the Saudi-financed LIV Golf but faced backlash and sponsorship losses in 2022 after his comments about the Saudis. The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia plans to cease financial support of LIV after this year.