According to reporting first published by Golf Digest, Mickelson is no longer welcome at The Farms Golf Club, an exclusive private club in Rancho Santa Fe where the six-time major champion has played, practiced, and maintained membership for decades. Multiple sources cited by Golf Digest identified Mickelson as the club member at the center of an internal investigation involving allegations of nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact with a female employee. The publication reported that the alleged incident occurred earlier this spring inside the clubhouse.
According to the report, the employee rejected Mickelson's alleged advances and subsequently reported the encounter to supervisors. Golf Digest stated that club officials conducted an independent investigation and later confronted Mickelson while he was on the golf course, informing him that he was no longer permitted on the property.
In a statement provided to Golf Digest, The Farms Golf Club did not identify Mickelson by name but confirmed that disciplinary action had been taken against a member following an investigation.
"The Farms Golf Club is committed to maintaining a golf club environment that is safe, respectful and reflects the highest standards of conduct," the club said. "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 added that it could not comment further in order to protect the privacy and safety of those involved.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Office also acknowledged that it reviewed the matter. According to statements provided to multiple media outlets, investigators were unable to locate evidence establishing that a criminal assault had occurred.
"The Sheriff's Office has made attempts to locate any evidence to support the potential allegation of a sexual assault," the agency stated. "At this time, we have not located any evidence to show an assault has occurred."
The Sheriff's Office added that it would continue investigating if additional evidence or information were provided.
Representatives for Mickelson have denied wrongdoing and characterized the situation differently.
"Any misunderstanding has been cleared up," a spokesperson for Mickelson told Golf Digest. "Phil continues to attend to a family health matter and is uncertain when he will be able to return to professional golf."
Attorney Tom Clare, representing Mickelson, reportedly stated there was "a great deal of misinformation circulating" regarding the incident and indicated Mickelson intends to defend himself against false claims.
The allegations arrive during an already difficult period for the 55-year-old golfer. Earlier this year, Mickelson stepped away from competition to address what he described as a serious family health matter. He missed both the Masters Tournament and PGA Championship and has played only one LIV Golf event during the 2026 season.
For many San Diegans, Mickelson's connection to the region runs far deeper than professional golf. Raised in San Diego County, Mickelson attended the University of San Diego High School before becoming a collegiate star at Arizona State University and eventually one of the most popular figures in modern golf.
His remarkable career includes six major championships, three Masters victories, more than 40 PGA Tour wins, and perhaps most notably, his historic triumph at the 2021 PGA Championship, where he became the oldest major winner in golf history at age 50.
Mickelson's public image has endured several challenges in recent years. In 2016, he agreed to repay nearly $1 million connected to an insider trading investigation in which he was not criminally charged. More recently, he became one of the central figures behind the launch of LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed professional golf circuit that divided the sport and generated widespread controversy. His comments about Saudi Arabia's human rights record during LIV Golf's formation resulted in the loss of several longtime corporate sponsors and marked a significant turning point in public perception of the golfer.
Still, few athletes have remained as closely associated with San Diego as Mickelson. For decades, he was celebrated locally not only for his accomplishments on the golf course but also for his charitable efforts, community involvement, and status as one of the region's most successful professional athletes.
The Farms Golf Club, located in Rancho Santa Fe approximately 10 miles east of Torrey Pines Golf Course, is considered one of Southern California's premier private clubs and has counted numerous prominent golfers among its membership.
As of publication, neither Mickelson nor his representatives have publicly addressed the specific allegations beyond statements describing the matter as a misunderstanding.
The allegations remain unproven, no criminal charges have been filed, and law enforcement officials have stated they have not located evidence supporting a criminal assault allegation. However, The Farms Golf Club has confirmed that the member at the center of the investigation is no longer affiliated with the club.
Originally published on June 11, 2026.
