Golf legend Phil Mickelson is facing renewed controversy after reports emerged that he has been removed from membership at a prestigious California golf club following allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a female employee.
According to a report by Golf Digest, Mickelson is no longer welcome at The Farms Golf Club, a private club where the six-time major champion has practiced and played for many years.
The publication reported that the alleged incident occurred earlier this spring and involved unwanted physical contact with a female staff member at the club. According to sources cited in the report, the employee rejected Mickelson’s advances and subsequently reported the matter to club management.
Golf Digest stated that club officials conducted an independent investigation after receiving the complaint. Following the review, Mickelson was reportedly confronted by club officials and instructed to leave the property.
In a statement provided to Golf Digest, The Farms Golf Club confirmed that a member had been removed following an investigation into alleged misconduct but did not publicly identify Mickelson by name.
The club stated that it acted promptly after receiving a report from an employee, provided support to the staff member, conducted a thorough review, and took decisive action. The club added that it would not provide further details in order to protect the privacy and safety of those involved.
A spokesperson for Mickelson responded by stating that any misunderstanding surrounding the incident had been resolved. The spokesperson also noted that Mickelson continues to focus on a serious family health matter and remains uncertain about when he will return to professional golf competition.
The allegations come during a difficult period for the 55-year-old golfer, whose playing schedule has been significantly reduced in 2026. Mickelson has competed only once this year and missed both the Masters Tournament and the PGA Championship while attending to undisclosed family health concerns.
One of the most accomplished players in golf history, Mickelson has won six major championships, including the 2021 PGA Championship, where he became the oldest golfer ever to win a major title. Throughout much of his career, he was one of the sport’s most popular figures, known for his aggressive playing style, fan interactions, and numerous victories worldwide.
In recent years, however, his public image has faced several challenges. Mickelson became a central figure in the launch of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf in 2022, a move that generated controversy within the golf world and resulted in the loss of several sponsorship relationships.
Earlier controversies also included his involvement as a relief defendant in a 2016 insider trading case. Although Mickelson was not criminally charged, he agreed to repay nearly $1 million in profits connected to the investigation.
His name was also prominently featured in a 2023 autobiography by professional gambler Billy Walters, who alleged that Mickelson had wagered enormous sums on sporting events over several decades. Mickelson later acknowledged struggles related to gambling but stated that he had sought help and made significant changes in his life.
The latest allegations represent another challenge for one of golf’s most recognizable figures. At this stage, no criminal charges have been reported, and the matter appears limited to actions taken by the private golf club following its internal investigation.
As of now, Mickelson has not publicly addressed the allegations beyond the statement issued through his representative. The future of his competitive golf career remains uncertain as he continues to deal with personal and family matters away from the sport.
The report has generated significant attention throughout the golf community, where Mickelson remains one of the most accomplished and recognizable players of the modern era.