"False rumours" - Golf legend Phil Mickelson issues response to troubling allegations

Phil Mickelson's attorney has labelled accusations towards the six-time major winner as "false". 

An explosive report from Golf Digest, published on 11 June, revealed the 55-year-old has had his membership at a high-end golf club in San Diego, California, revoked over allegations of inappropriate contact towards a female employee. 

The incident is alleged to have occurred in the spring following a complaint from an employee at the Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe. 

It is alleged Mickelson was asked to leave the property mid-round and was subsequently banned from the exclusive club, where he has practiced for decades. 

Photographs of the golfer are also said to have been taken down from the walls. 

Tom Clare, Mickelson's attorney, told the Los Angeles Times that video evidence contradicted the allegations. 

He added: "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."

The New York Post have also reported that the San Diego County Sheriff's Office investigated the incident but found no evidence of assault. 

The Farms Golf Club said in a statement that they stood by its decision to revoke Mickelson's membership, adding that no video cameras were in the area where the misconduct allegedly occurred. 

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

"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." 

The Farms Golf Club

Mickelson is no stranger to controversy. 

In 2016, he was involved in a US federal investigation into insider trading that led to one of his pals, Billy Walters, being sent to prison. 

Mickelson was accused by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission of buying $931,000 worth of stock, directly from an insider trading tip. 

He was named as a relief defendant and never charged, but agreed to pay back the amount. 

Walters got five years and when he got out claimed that had Mickelson testified he may have avoided prison. 

Walters also alleged that Mickelson had wagered at least a billion dollars in sporting bets throughout his career and even to bet on himself at the Ryder Cup. 

When Walters made the claims, Mickelson said: "I have also been very open about my gambling addiction.

"I have previously conveyed my remorse, took responsibility, have gotten help, have been fully committed to therapy that has positively impacted me and I feel good about where I am now."

Mickelson's career will also be remembered for being a controversial figure in golf's so-called civil war. 

He was one of the first players to be recruited to the LIV Golf in 2022 but sparked controversy by describing the Saudi Arabian backers of the league as "scary motherf---ers". 

The comments, published by the journalist and author Alan Shipnuck, led to Mickelson taking a self-imposed exile from the sport. 

Several sponsors abandoned the golfer, whilst Callaway "paused" their association with the golfer. 

Mickelson, who has won 45 times on the PGA Tour, resurfaced at LIV's inaugural event at Centurion Club and apologised for the hurt he had caused. 

For the most part, Mickelson has kept a low-profile since. 

Mickelson has barely played competitive golf this year. 

In February, he announced he was taking some time away from the sport because of a private family health matter. 

He has been reduced to just one LIV Golf appearance in 2026, in South Africa, and missed the Masters and the PGA Championship. 

Mickelson is not playing in the U.S. Open next week as the five-year exemption he received into the major for winning the PGA has expired. 

He has registered to play in next month's Open but it remains to be seen whether he will play at Royal Birkdale. 

Before the bombshell allegations were published, Mickelson told golf reporter Bob Harig via text that he had intended to play the final men's major of the year.