From Dispatch Room
Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson has reportedly been removed from membership at a private golf club in California following allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a female employee.
According to a report by Golf Digest, the incident allegedly occurred earlier this year at The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, near Mickelson’s San Diego residence. The report claimed that the veteran golfer made what was described as “nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact” with a female staff member shortly before a round of golf.
The employee reportedly rejected the alleged advance and later informed club management. Golf Digest reported that club officials launched an investigation and subsequently confronted Mickelson while he was on the course, asking him to leave the premises.
Mickelson, 55, declined to comment directly on the allegations. However, a spokesperson quoted by Golf Digest said that “any misunderstanding has been cleared up.”
In a statement to the publication, The Farms Golf Club said it takes allegations of misconduct seriously and follows established procedures when complaints are reported.
“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,” the club said.
The club added that the individual involved is no longer a member but declined to provide further details, citing privacy and safety considerations.
Mickelson’s attorney, Tom Clare, pushed back against speculation surrounding the matter, saying there was “a great deal of misinformation circulating” about the incident.
According to the attorney, Mickelson has retained defamation counsel and intends to challenge what he considers false or misleading claims.
The controversy comes as Mickelson remains away from professional golf. In February, the LIV Golf player announced that he was stepping back from competition to address a private family matter.
A spokesperson for the golfer recently said he continues to focus on that situation and remains uncertain about when he will return to professional golf.
Mickelson, one of the most successful golfers of his generation, has long been associated with The Farms Golf Club, where he reportedly trained regularly ahead of major championships.
No criminal charges have been announced, and the allegations remain unproven.
— Newspot Nigeria
