Phil Mickelson, 55, had his membership at The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, revoked in June 2026 following allegations of nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact with a female employee earlier this spring [1, 2, 3]. The club said it acted after receiving a report from the employee and conducted an independent investigation before terminating Mickelson's membership. "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 club said [1].
The incident allegedly occurred before Mickelson participated in any play at the club during 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The employee reportedly rejected Mickelson's advances and subsequently reported the misconduct to supervisors [2, 3]. On the day of the incident, Mickelson was confronted mid-round on the golf course and asked to leave the premises [1, 3].
Mickelson has been largely absent from professional golf throughout 2026 due to a private family health matter. He has played in only one LIV Golf event this year [3, 4]. His spokesperson said, "Any misunderstanding has been cleared up. Phil continues to attend to a family health matter and is uncertain when he will be able to return to professional golf" [2].
Mickelson retained defamation counsel to challenge false rumors and speculation related to the case. Attorney Tom Clare stated, "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 rumors" [2].
The Farms Golf Club confirmed it had no video footage of the incident despite Mickelson's attorney claiming there is objective video evidence that would exonerate him [5, 6]. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office reported no evidence or reports of sexual assault related to this case at the club [6].
The club declined to provide further details to protect staff and member privacy and safety [1, 3]. The next concrete development will be any further legal actions by Mickelson or follow-up statements from The Farms Golf Club.
