Golfer Phil Mickelson was removed as a member of The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe after an accusation of “nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact” involving an unidentified female employee earlier this year, according to a report from Golf Diges
Phil Mickelson is no longer a member of The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, after club officials confronted him with an allegation of “nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact” earlier this year—hours he was playing a round.
The accusation centers on Mickelson approaching an unidentified female employee of The Farms Golf Club, a six-time major champion who has long been a fixture in American golf. The report says the employee rejected him, then informed her bosses about the incident.
Club officials then confronted Mickelson while he was on the course and told him to leave the club immediately. according to the report. In a statement provided to Golf Digest. The Farms said it is “committed to maintaining a golf club environment that is safe. respectful and reflects the highest standards of conduct.” The club said members are required to follow its Code of Conduct. that allegations are taken seriously. and that after a staff member report it provided “immediate and ongoing support” to the employee.
The club also said it conducted a “thorough independent investigation” and took decisive action. “This individual is no longer a member of The Farms Golf Club,” the statement said.
The Farms added that it conducts “thorough reviews of all reported matters according to California Law” and takes action when warranted. It said it cannot speak further to protect the safety and privacy of staff and members. while emphasizing its commitments to “integrity. excellence and accountability.”.
Mickelson’s response came through his attorney after Golf Digest said it contacted him on June 7 through his representative and asked for a chance to respond. Attorney Tom Clare said the incident was “squarely contradicted by objective. video evidence.” Clare also said there was “a great deal of misinformation circulating. ” and that while Phil’s attention was devoted to a private family health matter. he has retained defamation counsel and is “determined to hold accountable any publication or individual trafficking in speculation or false rumors.”.
The allegation and the denial land at a moment when Mickelson has already stepped back from competition for health reasons. Earlier this year, the 55-year-old announced he was stepping away from golf to attend to a private family health matter.
That decision is also tied to the calendar: Mickelson will not be at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, next week. His five-year exemption from winning the 2021 PGA Championship has expired. and he would have needed an invitation from the United States Golf Association to compete.
The sequence of events—an employee’s report. confrontation during a round. removal after an investigation. and a legal rebuttal citing video evidence—leaves two starkly different pictures of what happened. The club’s statement presents a completed inquiry and decisive outcome. while Mickelson’s attorney argues the core allegation doesn’t match the evidence.
For now. the club’s position is final as far as membership is concerned. and Mickelson’s next competitive window depends on whether the USGA extends an invitation. His focus. at least publicly. remains on family health amid a dispute that has moved from a staff report to a legal fight over what can—and cannot—be said.
Phil Mickelson The Farms Golf Club Rancho Santa Fe inappropriate contact Golf Digest U.S. Open Shinnecock Hills USGA exemption defamation counsel Tom Clare California Law membership removed