Phil Mickelson Removed from San Diego Golf Club After Alleged Misconduct

Phil Mickelson has been expelled from The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, following allegations of unwanted physical contact with a female employee, according to reports from Golf Digest. Multiple sources have confirmed that Mickelson, a six-time major champion, is no longer permitted at the club where he has played and practiced for many years. The incident reportedly took place earlier this spring.

Mickelson has played only once this year, citing an undisclosed serious family health issue. As a result, he missed the Masters and PGA Championship and is not exempt for the U.S. Open. In response to the allegations, 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.”

Golf Digest reported that Mickelson approached a woman in the clubhouse, making nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact. After the woman rejected his advances, she reported the incident to her supervisors. Following an investigation, officials at The Farms confronted Mickelson on the course and asked him to leave.

The Farms Golf Club issued a statement to Golf Digest, saying, “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.” Additionally, the club emphasized the need to protect the safety and privacy of both staff and members, declining further comments on the matter.

Located near Torrey Pines, The Farms is a private club that hosts several prominent players, including Annika Sorenstam and Xander Schauffele. This incident adds to a challenging period for Mickelson, who is married with three children and was previously a beloved figure in the golfing community for his skills and fan interactions.

Mickelson’s past controversies include his involvement as a relief defendant in a 2016 insider trading case, where he was not criminally charged but agreed to repay nearly $1 million gained from a single trade. Noted gambler Billy Walters, who was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in that case, authored a 2023 autobiography claiming that Mickelson wagered more than $1 billion over three decades. Notably, in 2011, Mickelson supposedly placed 43 bets on Major League Baseball in one day, resulting in $143,500 in losses.

In 2021, Mickelson became the oldest major champion in golf history by winning the PGA Championship. However, he later faced backlash for his role in launching the Saudi-funded LIV Golf and a controversial quote about the Saudis. The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia is expected to end its financial backing of LIV after this year.

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