Full Breakdown
Phil Mickelson Removed from The Farms Golf Club Amid Allegations of Inappropriate Contact
6/15/2026, 1:20:09 PM
Alleged Misconduct at The Farms Golf Club
Golf Digest reported that a female clubhouse employee at The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, accused Phil Mickelson of non-consensual, inappropriate physical contact before a round earlier this spring. The club investigated, confronted Mickelson on the course, and terminated his membership.
Background & Recent Absences
Mickelson has missed the Masters and PGA Championship, is no longer exempt for the U.S. Open, and has played only one LIV Golf event (T-48 in South Africa) while citing a private family health matter that began in February.
Timeline of Key Dates
Spring 2026 – alleged contact. March 2026 – Golf Digest story and The Farms’ independent investigation. Mid-March – Mickelson confronted on the course and asked to leave. April 2026 – club announced his removal.
Official Statements & Responses
The Farms said it supported the staff member, completed a thorough independent investigation, and removed Mickelson. His spokesperson claimed any misunderstanding was cleared up and emphasized the family health issue. Attorney Tom Clare warned of misinformation and noted defamation counsel. The sheriff’s office said it would investigate further if new evidence appears.
Criticism & Opposition
Kevin Van Valkenburg, recalling Mickelson’s 2022 LIV Golf debut, called his outreach “strategic,” suggesting a pattern of calculated public gestures. Critics link the incident to earlier controversies, including a 2016 insider-trading settlement and remarks that alienated Saudi sponsors.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The club’s investigation concluded misconduct, yet the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office reported no evidence of assault. Mickelson’s attorney claims objective video evidence refutes the claim, but the club says no video exists. The employee’s identity remains undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
> “I’ve said and done a lot of things that I regret. I’m sorry for that and sorry for the hurt it caused a lot of people.” — Phil Mickelson, press conference
> “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
> “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
What Lies Ahead
Mickelson remains listed as a past champion for the 2026 Open Championship, though his participation at Royal Birkdale is uncertain. His legal team has retained defamation counsel and may pursue action against publications; further law-enforcement review could follow if new evidence emerges.
