Story perspectives

Mickelson removed from golf club after employee complaint

6/12/2026

Summary

Mickelson Ousted

After a female employee accused Phil Mickelson of non-consensual contact, The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe confronted him mid-round, told him to leave, and removed his membership following an independent California-law investigation.
He has not played professionally since March, withdrawing from the Masters, PGA Championship and U.S. Open while citing a family health matter.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office investigated the claim and found no evidence of assault.

Summary

Mickelson Demands Proof

Phil Mickelson hired defamation attorney Tom Clare to demand proof of the alleged misconduct.
Clare asserted that objective video evidence contradicted the accusations.
On June 10, Clare warned he would pursue legal action against any outlet spreading misinformation.
The Farms Golf Club said no cameras captured the incident and cited its Code of Conduct and California law, emphasizing staff privacy.

Summary

Mickelson Expelled

Phil Mickelson was expelled as the LIV Golf tour collapsed after its backers withdrew funding and held events at President Donald Trump properties.
He was investigated for insider trading in 2014 but was not indicted.
The Farms Golf Club gave immediate support to the employee who reported the misconduct and will conduct an independent review under California law and the club’s Code of Conduct.

Summary

Mickelson Ejected

Phil Mickelson, six-time major champion, was removed from The Farms Golf Club after decades of membership.
His attorney Tom Clare, who previously represented French President Emmanuel Macron, is handling the defamation claim.
On April 2, Mickelson posted on Instagram that he would miss the Masters due to a family health matter.
Mickelson’s manager did not respond to GOLF.com’s request for comment on the allegations.

History

Historical Context

In November 2009, Tiger Woods’ car crash and admission of multiple affairs triggered sponsor withdrawals, with Accenture and AT&T ending deals and a study estimating shareholder losses of $5-12 billion. The scandal sparked a broader push for stricter conduct standards in professional golf, a movement that later led clubs to adopt formal codes of behavior.

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Mickelson Ousted

After a female employee accused Phil Mickelson of non-consensual contact, The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe confronted him mid-round, told him to leave, and removed his membership following an independent California-law investigation.
He has not played professionally since March, withdrawing from the Masters, PGA Championship and U.S. Open while citing a family health matter.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office investigated the claim and found no evidence of assault.

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