Bombshell report suggests one reason for Phil Mickelson's absence from golf

Multiple major champion Phil Mickelson is no longer welcome at one of his favourite golf courses in San Diego after he was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female member of staff, according to a report. 

A Golf Digest investigation, published on 11 June, claimed the six-time major winner, 55, was accused of "non-consensual" and "inappropriate contact" with a female employee at The Farms Golf Club in the spring.

The woman is said to have rejected his advances and Mickelson returned to the course. 

The allegation, the story said, was immediately reported to her supervisors and Mickelson was located mid-round and asked to leave. 

Mickelson is reportedly no longer a member. He has used the club as one of his primary training bases for more than two decades.  

A spokesperson for Mickelson said any misunderstanding has been cleared up, adding: "Phil continues to attend to a family health matter and is uncertain when he will be able to return to professional golf.”

Tom Clare, his attorney who specialises in defamation, also told the publication: "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 rumours."

A spokesperson for The Farms Golf Club said: 

"The Farms Golf Club is committed to maintaining a golf club environment that is safe, respectful and reflects the highest standards of conduct.

"All members are required to adhere to our Code of Conduct, and any allegations of misconduct are taken seriously.

"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 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.

"To protect the safety and privacy of our staff and members, we are unable to speak further on this matter. We appreciate your understanding."

Mickelson has barely played competitively this year. 

In February, he announced a "private family health matter" would prohibit him from teeing it up at the first two LIV Golf events of the calendar year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Adelaide, Australia. 

Mickelson then missed LIV's stops in Hong Kong and Singapore but returned to action in South Africa. 

He did not speak to the media that week. 

Mickelson then decided against playing in the 2026 Masters and, although he was registered to play in the PGA Championship in Pennsylvania, decided to withdraw from the second men's major of the year. 

He is not playing in next week's U.S. Open but he is registered to play in next month's Open. 

Whether or not Mickelson will play at Royal Birkdale remains to be seen. 

More to follow.