Phil Mickelson, a six-time major champion, has had his membership revoked at a high-end California golf club following allegations of inappropriate contact with a female employee. The incident is alleged to have taken place earlier this spring at The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, near San Diego.
According to BBC Sport, which first saw the allegations reported in Golf Digest, Mickelson was asked to leave the club mid-round following a complaint by the employee. A formal investigation followed.
The club issued a written statement. "The Farms Golf Club is committed to maintaining a golf club environment that is safe, respectful and reflects the highest standards of conduct," the statement read. "All members are required to adhere to our Code of Conduct, and any allegations of misconduct are taken seriously." The statement continued: "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."
The club added that it conducts reviews according to California law and cited the safety and privacy of its staff and members as the reason it would not comment further.
BBC Sport said it contacted Mickelson's representatives for comment on the allegations but did not report receiving a response.
Mickelson, 55, was once among the most recognized figures in professional golf. At 51, he became the oldest man to win a major when he captured the 2021 US PGA Championship at Kiawah Island. He built a reputation as a fan favorite known for an aggressive playing style and a public image as a family man.
His standing in the sport deteriorated after he made derogatory comments about the Saudi Arabian backers of LIV Golf, the breakaway tour he ultimately joined. After those comments were published by journalist Alan Shipnuck, Mickelson stepped away from competition, missing the 2022 Masters and the defense of his US PGA title. He returned at LIV's inaugural event at the Centurion Club near Hemel Hempstead in June 2022.
"I've said and done a lot of things that I regret," Mickelson said to reporters at his pre-tournament press conference. "I'm sorry for that and sorry for the hurt it caused a lot of people."
He was also involved in a US federal investigation into insider trading in the years that followed his return.
