Full Breakdown
Phil Mickelson Resigns from The Farms Country Club Amid Misconduct Allegations
6/19/2026, 5:15:54 AM
Resignation and Alleged Misconduct
A lawyer for six-time major champion Phil Mickelson confirmed that the golfer resigned from The Farms Country Club, a private club near San Diego, after club management confronted him on the course. Golf Digest reported that a female employee alleged Mickelson made non-consensual, inappropriate physical contact in the clubhouse. The employee rejected his advances and reported the incident to supervisors, prompting an independent investigation and the decision to ask Mickelson to leave the premises.
Background and Recent Career Context
Mickelson, 55, withdrew from the Masters and PGA Championship earlier this year, citing a family health matter. He has participated in only one of nine LIV Golf events scheduled for 2026, and he is no longer eligible for the U.S. Open after exhausting his exemptions. In 2021 he became the oldest major champion by winning the PGA Championship. Earlier, in early 2022, he lost major sponsorships after being quoted calling Saudi investors “scary motherf---ers” and stating his interest in LIV Golf was to gain leverage over the PGA Tour.
Key Figures and Organizations
- Phil Mickelson – Professional golfer, six major titles.
- The Farms Country Club – Private club located ~10 mi from Torrey Pines; members include Annika Sörenstam and Xander Schauffele.
- Unnamed female employee – Club staff member who reported the alleged misconduct.
- Tom Clare – Defamation lawyer representing Mickelson.
- Mickelson’s spokesperson – Issued a public response on behalf of the golfer.
Timeline of Events
- 2021 – Mickelson wins PGA Championship, becoming oldest major champion.
- Early 2022 – Controversial remarks about Saudi investors lead to loss of sponsorships.
- Early 2024 – Golf Digest publishes allegations of inappropriate contact at The Farms.
- Shortly after – Club management confronts Mickelson on the course; he is asked to leave.
- Following week – Mickelson resigns from The Farms, as confirmed by his lawyer Tom Clare.
- 2024 (current season) – Mickelson withdraws from Masters and PGA Championship; limited LIV Golf participation; ineligible for U.S. Open.
Official Statements & Responses
The Farms issued a statement emphasizing immediate support for the staff member, an independent investigation, and decisive action resulting in Mickelson’s departure. The club added that it could not comment further to protect staff safety and privacy. Mickelson’s spokesperson said any misunderstanding had been cleared up and reiterated the golfer’s focus on a family health matter, noting uncertainty about his return to professional competition. Tom Clare, hired as a defamation lawyer, confirmed Mickelson’s resignation.
Criticism & Opposition
The allegations involve non-consensual physical contact, prompting the club to act swiftly. Critics have highlighted the seriousness of the conduct and the need for clubs to enforce clear behavioral standards. The club’s refusal to provide additional details underscores concerns about staff protection.
Impact and Why It Matters
Mickelson’s resignation adds to a series of setbacks—including loss of sponsorships and tournament exemptions—that could affect his legacy and future earnings. The episode also raises broader questions about conduct expectations at elite private clubs and the mechanisms for addressing employee complaints.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Public information does not disclose the employee’s identity, the exact nature of the physical contact, or any legal proceedings. The club declined further comment, leaving details of the investigation undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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 Farms Country Club
- “This individual is no longer a member of The Farms Golf Club," The Farms said in a statement to Golf Digest.” — The Farms Country Club
- “To protect the safety and privacy of our staff and member, we are unable to speak further on the matter.” — The Farms Country 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.” — Spokesperson for Phil Mickelson
What’s Next
The U.S. Open begins this weekend without Mickelson, who remains ineligible. His future participation in PGA Tour events and LIV Golf will depend on the resolution of personal and reputational issues highlighted by the recent club resignation.
