Report: Phil Mickleson Accused of "Nonconsensual and Inappropriate" Contact with Club Employee

As he’s grown accustomed to in the late stages of his career, Phil Mickelson is once again in hot water for an incident outside of professional golf. According to a report from Golf Digest, Mickelson was accused of inappropriate contact with a female employee of The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, earlier this spring, a golf course he’s called home for most of his career.

According to Digest, Mickelson allegedly made “nonconsensual and inappropriate” contact with a female employee, which she immediately reported after rejecting his advances. Club officials responded with haste, conducting a review and investigation immediately. They found Mickelson on the golf course in the middle of his round and confronted him with the accusation. He was then told to leave the property.

The following is a statement sent by The Farms to Golf Digest:

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

While both the employee and Mickelson declined to provide comment to Golf Digest, a spokesperson for the six-time major champion issued this:

“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.”

However, according to Golf Digest, Mickelson has obtained Tom Clare, a top defamation attorney, and he provided this statement to Digest on June 10: “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."

On February 1, Mickelson released a statement saying he would be taking a step back from golf to deal with a family health matter, which Golf Digest confirmed is separate from The Farms controversy. He’s made just one start since, a tie for 48th in South Africa, and has yet to announce any sort of return.