Phil Mickelson banned from golf club over alleged inappropriate contact with employee
Consensus Summary
Phil Mickelson has been banned from The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, after a female employee accused him of nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact during an incident in the spring of 2026. Both the Guardian and ABC report that the club conducted an independent investigation, supported the employee, and terminated Mickelsonâs membership. Mickelsonâs spokesperson denied wrongdoing, stating any misunderstanding has been resolved, though Mickelson remains focused on a private family health matter that has kept him sidelined from professional golf this season. The Farms Golf Club declined further comment to protect privacy. Mickelsonâs career has faced additional scrutiny due to his past legal issues, including a 2016 insider trading case, and his controversial role in launching the Saudi-funded LIV Golf league, which is set to lose its primary funding source after this year. The incident adds to a challenging period for Mickelson, who has been absent from major tournaments and grappling with both personal and professional uncertainties.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Phil Mickelson's membership was terminated at The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, following allegations of 'nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact' with a female employee.
- The incident occurred before Mickelson played at The Farms in the spring of 2026, and he was confronted mid-round and asked to leave the property.
- The Farms Golf Club issued a statement confirming the investigation and termination, 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.'
- Mickelson's spokesperson 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.'
- Mickelson has been absent from most of the 2026 LIV Golf season due to a family health matter, skipping the Masters in April and the US PGA Championship in May.
- The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia is ending its financial support of LIV Golf after this year.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Attorney Tom Clare stated: 'There is a great deal of misinformation circulating and, while Philâs full attention is 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 article mentions Mickelson is regarded as one of the finest players in golfing history and a six-time major winner.
- Golf Digest verified the identity of The Farms employee but withheld her name to protect her privacy, and she declined to participate in the reporting of the story.
- The article includes details about Mickelson's past legal issues, including his 2016 insider trading case where he agreed to repay nearly $1 million without criminal charges, and his role in launching LIV Golf in 2022.
- The article references Billy Walters' 2023 autobiography, which claimed Mickelson wagered over $1 billion over 30 years, including a single day in 2011 where he placed 43 MLB bets and lost $143,500.
- Mickelson became the oldest major champion in golf history when he won the 2021 PGA Championship.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian states Mickelson was 'challenged on the incident mid-round and duly left the property,' while ABC does not specify the exact moment he was confronted.
Source Articles
Phil Mickelson reportedly ousted from golf club after alleged âinappropriate contactâ with woman
Report cites alleged contact with employee Club says independent probe led to action Mickelson spokesperson: matter resolved Phil Mickelson has reportedly had his membership cancelled at a San Diego golf club following alleged âinappropriate contactâ with a female employee. Golf Digest first reported that Mickelson has had his membership terminated at The Farms following an alleged incident before he played there in the spring. The report, citing multiple sources, said the employee accused the 5
Golf legend kicked out of club after employee allegations, report says
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