Phil Mickelson has reportedly had his membership cancelled at a San Diego golf club following alleged “inappropriate contact” 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 55-year-old of “nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact” towards her before a game of golf. Mickelson is said to have been challenged on the incident mid-round and duly left the property.
“Any misunderstanding has been cleared up,” said a spokesperson for Mickelson. “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 during most of this season on the LIV tour due to family issues. He also skipped the Masters in April and the following month’s US PGA Championship. Ongoing doubt regarding the longevity of LIV, which will soon lose its Saudi Arabian funding, makes Mickelson’s future in his sport unclear. The six-time major winner is regarded as one of the finest players in golfing history.
The Farms provided a statement to Golf Digest which read: “The Farms Golf Club is committed to maintaining a golf club environment that is safe, respectful and reflects the highest standards of conduct. All members are required to adhere to our code of conduct, and any allegations of misconduct are taken seriously.
“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.”
Attorney Tom Clare provided Golf Digest the following statement: “There is a great deal of misinformation circulating and, while Phil’s 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.”
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