Phil Mickelson disputes misconduct claims as representatives blast Skratch report

Phil Mickelson has strongly denied allegations of misconduct contained in an investigation published by golf outlet Skratch, with his representatives describing the report as "an anonymously sourced drive-by shooting."

The investigation, written by golf journalist Alan Shipnuck, alleged the six-time major champion is no longer welcome at three California golf clubs because of inappropriate behaviour towards women.

Among the claims was an allegation from Ashley Perez, the former wife of PGA Tour player Pat Perez, who said Mickelson showed her an explicit photograph of himself in 2015 before making an unwanted proposition.

The report follows previous allegations that Mickelson left a prestigious California golf club after claims of inappropriate contact with a female employee. Mickelson has denied those allegations.

In a statement sent to the New York Post, Mickelson's representatives said the Skratch article omitted important context surrounding the incident involving Perez, arguing it stemmed from a misunderstanding for which the LIV Golf player later apologised.

"Mr Mickelson's willingness to apologise for his conduct should not be misconstrued as an admission of every allegation made against him," the statement said.

His representatives also rejected suggestions that he had been forced out of private golf clubs.

"Mr Mickelson has never been expelled from a golf club. His membership has never been revoked by a golf club. Those decisions were his alone," the statement added.

The response also criticised Skratch's reliance on anonymous sources and questioned whether readers should have been reminded of the publication's previous ties to the PGA Tour.

"Credibility is not earned by publishing the most provocative narrative," the statement continued.

"It is earned through transparency, verification, and a clear distinction between fact, inference, and speculation."

Skratch editor-in-chief Ben Boskovich has reportedly defended the publication's article, telling the New York Post that Skratch "stands by its reporting" and that Mickelson, his wife and his attorney were all given an opportunity to respond before publication.

Mickelson, who left the PGA Tour in 2022 to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League, has made just one LIV Golf appearance this season, competing in South Africa in March before stepping away to deal with what he described as "a family health matter".

The 56-year-old American has also withdrawn from this month's Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, meaning he will miss all four men's major championships in a single season for the first time in his professional career.

LIV Golf's next tournament takes place at the end of this month, but Mickelson's return to competitive action remains unknown at this stage.