Phil Mickelson's golf future handed bleak verdict by former Tour professionals

Former Tour professionals Mark Allen and Nick O'Hern believe Phil Mickelson faces an uphill battle to ever compete again at the highest level of professional golf following the latest allegations surrounding the six-time major champion.

Speaking on the Talk Birdie To Me podcast, the pair suggested Mickelson's playing career may effectively be over, with Allen admitting he struggles to see a route back for the 55-year-old, even on LIV Golf.

"I think it's going to be very difficult for him to play golf again at a high level," Allen said. 

"Even if LIV continues in some form, I'm not sure he'll be part of it. It's a sad way for it to end."

The discussion came after fresh reporting from Alan Shipnuck for Skratch, which cited interviews with 19 sources and detailed allegations of misconduct towards women dating back to 2015, as well as Mickelson's departures from three Southern California golf clubs.

Mickelson's lawyer, Tom Clare, rejected some of the claims, saying several allegations are false while others relate to mistakes his client has previously acknowledged publicly or privately.

A spokesperson for Mickelson also said the six-time major champion's immediate focus is on his family as they deal with a private health matter. 

The issue has reportedly been the primary reason behind his absence from a significant portion of the LIV Golf season, with Mickelson withdrawing from multiple events in recent months.

Neither Allen nor O'Hern addressed the allegations in detail during their podcast, instead focusing on what they believe the long-term consequences could mean for one of golf's most recognisable figures.

Allen reflected on Mickelson's standing during the peak of his career, when many viewed him as one of the game's most popular personalities and a player whose reputation extended well beyond his six major victories.

O'Hern described the situation as a remarkable fall from grace, pointing out that Mickelson captured the PGA Championship in 2021 before leaving for LIV Golf just over a year later. 

Since then, his profile within the sport has steadily diminished, while his exits from several private golf clubs have only intensified scrutiny.

O'Hern also believes another opportunity may now have slipped away.

The Australian said Mickelson once appeared destined for a successful broadcasting career after his playing days ended, arguing his knowledge of the game and personality would have made him one of television's standout analysts.

"He could have written his own ticket in broadcasting," O'Hern said. 

"He would have been an incredible analyst."

Allen agreed, saying Mickelson possessed the charisma and insight to thrive in the television booth.

The conversation also touched on Mickelson's silence since the latest reports emerged. O'Hern said the legal implications surrounding the allegations suggested the reporting had undergone significant scrutiny before publication, while noting Mickelson has yet to publicly respond.

He also referenced the long-running speculation surrounding Mickelson's gambling and financial issues, although he stressed those matters are separate from the latest allegations.

The latest claims followed an earlier Golf Digest report by Joel Beall and Tod Leonard, which said Mickelson was asked to leave The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe during a round after a female employee accused him of unwanted physical contact. 

According to the report, Mickelson later resigned his membership at the club after decades.

Mickelson has also missed every major championship this season for the first time in his professional career. 

Although his recent LIV Golf absences have reportedly been linked to his family's private health situation, uncertainty also surrounds whether the 55-year-old will return to elite competition following the latest reports.

For Allen and O'Hern, however, the bigger question is whether golf fans have already seen the last of Mickelson competing on the sport's biggest stages.

Based on their assessment, they believe that chapter of his career may already have come to an end.

Watch their comments in full here: