Full Breakdown
Phil Mickelson Expelled from The Farms Golf Club Over Alleged Inappropriate Contact
6/14/2026, 12:25:58 PM
Core Incident and Immediate Action
In the spring of 2024, six-time major champion Phil Mickelson was confronted on the course at The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, after a female clubhouse employee reported that Mickelson had made non-consensual, inappropriate physical contact. Club officials located Mickelson mid-round, presented the allegation, and instructed him to leave the premises. The club subsequently terminated his membership.
Background & Context
Mickelson had been a longtime member of The Farms, a private club that hosts several PGA Tour players. The incident occurred while he was already limiting his competitive schedule because of an undisclosed family health matter. During the 2024 season he entered only one LIV Golf event (T-48 in South Africa) and missed the Masters, PGA Championship, and the U.S. Open exemption.
Key Figures & Groups
- Phil Mickelson – Professional golfer, plaintiff in potential defamation action.
- The Farms Golf Club – Private club that conducted the investigation and removed Mickelson.
- Unnamed female employee – Club staff member who reported the alleged contact; identity withheld for privacy.
- Tom Clare – Mickelson’s attorney, asserting the existence of video evidence.
- Mickelson spokesperson – Provided public comments on the matter.
- San Diego County Sheriff’s Office – Investigated the allegation and reported no evidence of assault.
Timeline
- Spring 2024 – Alleged contact occurs; employee files report.
- Following days – Club conducts independent investigation, confronts Mickelson on the course, and asks him to leave.
- April 2, 2024 – Mickelson announces he will not play the Masters, citing an extended family health issue.
- Subsequent weeks – Attorney Clare announces retention of defamation counsel; club reiterates its decision; sheriff’s office states it would investigate further if new evidence emerges.
Data & Statistics
- Age: 55.
- Major victories: six.
- 2024 LIV participation: one event, tied for 48th.
- Major tournament entries missed: Masters, PGA Championship; not exempt for U.S. Open.
Official Statements & Responses
The Farms issued a statement that it provided “immediate and ongoing support” to the employee, completed a “thorough independent investigation,” and acted in accordance with California law. Mickelson’s attorney, Tom Clare, claimed “objective video evidence” refutes the allegation, though the club reported no video exists. A Mickelson spokesperson said, “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.” The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office said it would investigate further if additional evidence is provided and found no assault evidence to date.
Criticism & Opposition
The club’s decision to terminate Mickelson’s membership underscores its stance that “any allegations of misconduct are taken seriously” and that members must adhere to the club’s Code of Conduct. The absence of video evidence, despite the attorney’s claim, fuels scrutiny of the club’s investigative conclusions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Video evidence: Attorney asserts its existence; club says none is available.
- Evidence of assault: Sheriff’s office reports none, while the club proceeded with disciplinary action.
- Employee identity and details: Withheld for privacy, limiting public verification.
- Family health matter: No specifics disclosed, leaving a gap in understanding Mickelson’s broader absence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Tom Clare, attorney
- “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.” — The Farms Golf Club
- “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 spokesperson
- “Unfortunately, I will not play in the Masters Tournament next week and will be out for an extended period of time as my family continues to navigate a personal health matter,” — Phil Mickelson
- “The Farms conducts thorough reviews of all reported matters according to California Law and takes appropriate action when warranted, consistent with our commitment to integrity, excellence and accountability.” — The Farms Golf Club representative
- “All members are required to adhere to our Code of Conduct, and any allegations of misconduct are taken seriously.” — The Farms Golf Club
Why It Matters / Impact
The removal of Mickelson’s membership eliminates a long-standing venue for his practice and networking, potentially affecting his preparation for future events. The dispute also raises the prospect of a defamation lawsuit, which could further limit his public appearances and influence sponsor relationships.
What’s Next
Mickelson’s legal team indicates readiness to pursue civil action if “false rumors” persist. The club maintains its position pending any new evidence, while the sheriff’s office remains open to further investigation. Mickelson’s future tournament eligibility will depend on both his family’s health situation and the resolution of the legal dispute.
