Phil Mickelson, one of the most recognizable figures in professional golf, is facing renewed scrutiny after details emerged about an investigation involving allegations of inappropriate conduct at a private golf club in San Diego earlier this year.
According to a reports, Mickelson was removed as a member of The Farms Golf Club following allegations that he made nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact with a female employee. The report states that the employee rejected the alleged advance and that Mickelson was later located while playing on the course, confronted about the incident, and instructed to leave the property.
Law Enforcement Says No Evidence Was Found
The allegations prompted an investigation by local law enforcement. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to the reporters that deputies attempted to determine whether evidence existed to support a potential sexual assault allegation involving Mickelson and the employee.
However, the agency emphasized that it never received an official report of a sexual assault and that investigators did not uncover evidence showing that an assault had occurred.
A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office said authorities would investigate further if additional evidence or information were provided and encouraged anyone with relevant knowledge to come forward.
The findings stop short of resolving the matter entirely, but officials made clear that, based on the information available to them, they were unable to locate evidence supporting a sexual assault claim.
Mickelson Calls Incident a Misunderstanding
Mickelson’s representatives have pushed back on the characterization of the incident. A spokesperson described the matter as “a misunderstanding” and stated that any confusion had been resolved.
The statement also noted that Mickelson remains focused on a family health issue and remains uncertain about when he will return to professional golf competition.
Meanwhile, The Farms Golf Club issued its own statement, saying the club acted after receiving a report from a staff member. According to the club, it provided support to the employee, conducted an independent investigation, and took what it described as decisive action.
“This individual is no longer a member of The Farms Golf Club,” the club said.
The differing accounts leave a dispute between the club’s actions and Mickelson’s public response, with neither side providing additional details about the incident itself.
Questions Continue Amid Extended Golf Absence
The timing of the report adds another layer to an already unusual period in Mickelson’s career. The six-time major champion has largely been absent from the LIV Golf circuit in recent months.
After missing the start of the season, he briefly returned for an event in South Africa in March before stepping away again. He also withdrew from the Masters, one of the sport’s most prominent tournaments.
Mickelson, who turns 56 this week, has long been one of golf’s most accomplished and controversial figures. A San Diego-area native, he has been married to his wife Amy since 1996, and the couple has three children. Amy previously battled breast cancer, leading Mickelson to suspend his playing schedule in 2009 to support her treatment.
His absence has been particularly noticeable as LIV Golf continues to face questions about its long-term future. Mickelson was among the first high-profile players to leave the PGA Tour for the Saudi-backed circuit, a move that generated intense debate throughout the golf world.
For now, the allegations remain contested. While The Farms Golf Club says it conducted its own investigation and terminated Mickelson’s membership, law enforcement officials say they found no evidence establishing that an assault occurred and received no formal sexual assault report connected to the matter. As Mickelson remains away from competition, the circumstances surrounding the incident continue to draw attention.
