Phil Mickelson has been expelled from a San Diego golf club after accusations of unwanted physical contact with a female employee, reported by Golf Digest. The report indicates that Mickelson can no longer access The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, his practice spot for decades. The alleged incident occurred earlier this spring.
Mickelson, involved in the development of LIV Golf, has barely played this year due to an undisclosed family health issue. He missed tournaments like the Masters and PGA Championship and is not exempt for the U.S. Open.
Golf Digest maintains the employee’s identity is known but kept private. She declined to comment on the story. Mickelson’s spokesperson commented to Golf Digest that any misunderstanding is resolved, mentioning Mickelson’s ongoing attention to a family health matter, with an uncertain return to professional play.
The Farms investigated and subsequently, Mickelson, 55, was asked to leave after the club reviewed the issue.
The Farms stated, “Following a report of misconduct, immediate and ongoing support was provided to our staff member. A thorough investigation was conducted, leading to decisive action. This individual is no longer a member of the club.”
Located near Torrey Pines, The Farms is private, hosting top players including Annika Sorenstam and Xander Schauffele, who reside in Florida.
Mickelson, once cherished in golf for his boldness and fan engagement, faces new challenges. He was named in a 2016 insider trading case, agreeing to repay close to $1 million but not criminally charged. Billy Walters, a gambler involved and imprisoned, claimed Mickelson wagered over $1 billion in three decades in his 2023 autobiography.
In 2021, Mickelson became the oldest major champion by winning the PGA Championship. He played a key role in Saudi-funded LIV Golf’s launch but lost sponsorships after derogatory comments about Saudi funders surfaced in 2022. The Saudi Public Investment Fund plans to halt its LIV Golf financial backing after this year.
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