Golf legend Phil Mickelson is no longer a member of his longtime Southern California club after inappropriate behavior with a staff member was alleged, Golf Digest reported.
Mickelson, 55, is not welcome at The Farms Golf Club, where he has practiced for decades, after he was accused of “inappropriate contact” with a female club employee this spring, Golf Digest reported.
The report cited multiple sources.
Golf Digest reported that Mickelson was alleged to have approached a female employee at the clubhouse and made “nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact with her.” The employee rejected his advances and reported them to supervisors, Golf Digest reported. He was confronted with the accusation on the course and asked to leave, the outlet reported.
Asked about the allegations, The Farms Golf Club told NBC News, “This individual is no longer a member,” without naming Mickelson.
“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,” it said in a statement.
The club is in Rancho Santa Fe, about 25 miles northeast of San Diego.
Mickelson’s representative did not respond to NBC News’ request for comment Thursday. An attorney denied the claims to Golf Digest, saying the allegations were “squarely contradicted by objective, video evidence.”
Tom Clare, an attorney who told Golf Digest he was representing Mickelson, said, “There is a great deal of misinformation circulating,” and that “Phil’s full attention is devoted to a private family health matter.”
A spokesperson for Mickelson 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.”
In April, Mickelson announced he would step away from competition for an extended period to tend to a family health matter.
Mickelson, a married father of three, is a six-time major champion — but his legacy includes some controversy. He made headlines for his involvement in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
