Phil Mickelson hires defamation lawyer over recent report

Phil Mickelson appears to be gearing up for a legal showdown.

The six-time major champion took to X on November 7 to announce that he has retained the services of what he described as a "world-class" defamation lawyer to represent him in response to a recent report published by financial outlet Hunterbrook.

The report in question alleged that Mickelson - known to golf fans worldwide as Lefty - received insider information about an oil company, Sable Offshore, and subsequently shared that information in a private WhatsApp group.

Mickelson wasted no time responding to the claims. Almost immediately after the report went live, he fired back on social media, calling the piece "slanderous" and "false."

Now, he's taking things a step further. In a follow-up statement, Mickelson revealed that he has officially hired Tom Clare, a prominent attorney known for representing high-profile figures in defamation cases, to advise and defend him as the dispute unfolds.

In his post, Mickelson acknowledged that scrutiny comes with fame, but made clear that this time, he's drawing a line in the sand.

"I know from experience that being in the public eye makes me a frequent target for sensationalized media coverage," Mickelson wrote. 

"I get that it comes with the territory, but there are legal limits on false reports. And while I may have been willing to 'let it go' in the past, I'm no longer going to sit quietly and take it when those lines are crossed."

The 53-year-old concluded his statement by reaffirming his intent to pursue action against not only Hunterbrook, but also anyone who republishes or amplifies what he deems to be defamatory.

"I have retained world-class defamation counsel Tom Clare to advise and represent me on this 'article' by Hunterbrook and anyone who reposts it," Mickelson said.

For their part, Hunterbrook isn't backing down. The publication maintains full confidence in its reporting and has stood by the story publicly.

Responding directly to Mickelson’s post, Sam Koppelman, the report's author, wrote: "We stand by our fact-checked, legally vetted reporting—and provided you with multiple chances to comment prior to publication, which you declined. Our offer to chat remains open. You have my number."

Mickelson is one of the most decorated and charismatic golfers in the history of the men's game, winning 45 PGA Tour titles and six major championships. 

His PGA Championship victory in 2021 at Kiawah Island made him the oldest major winner. 

He joined LIV Golf in 2022 for a reported $200m.