Phil Mickelson accused of 'inappropriate' conduct at private golf course – USA Today

Golfer Phil Mickelson, a six-time major winner, was removed as a member of a San Diego area golf club after being accused of inappropriate contact earlier this year, according to a report from Golf Digest.
According to the report, Mickelson had approached an unidentified female employee of Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, when he allegedly made “nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact” with her. After she rejected him, she made a report of the incident to her bosses.
Club officials then confronted Mickelson with the accusation while he was playing a round of golf and told him to leave the club immediately.
“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 golf club said in a statement to Golf Digest.
“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.”
Golf Digest said they contacted Mickelson on June 7 through his representative for a chance to respond. An attorney told the website that the incident was “squarely contradicted by objective, video evidence.
“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,” attorney Tom Clare said in a statement days later.
The 55-year-old Mickelson announced earlier this year that he was stepping away from golf to attend to a private family health matter. Mickelson will not be at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, next week, as his five-year exemption from winning the 2021 PGA Championship has expired. He would have needed an invitation from the United States Golf Association to compete at the tournament.

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