WASHINGTON — US star golfer Phil Mickelson has had his membership at a California golf club revoked after an independent investigation into his alleged inappropriate conduct, US media reported Friday (Saturday in Manila).
The Farms Golf Club confirmed to Golf Digest that it had canceled the six-time major champion's membership at the exclusive venue outside San Diego.
On Thursday the publication, citing anonymous sources, reported that Mickelson had engaged in unwanted contact with a female club employee.
A Mickelson spokesperson quoted on Friday by The Athletic did not comment directly on the allegation, but told the publication that "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."
The Farms, for its part, issued a statement promising to maintain "a golf club environment that is safe, respectful and reflects the highest standards of conduct," according to The Athletic.
"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," the club stated.
"This individual is no longer a member of The Farms Golf Club."
Mickelson, 55, announced in April that he would skip the Masters tournament and take an extended break, citing a personal health issue in his family.
For years Mickelson was a fan favorite on the course. His first win at a major was the Masters in 2004, at age 33, and his victory at the 2021 PGA Championship, at age 50, made him the oldest major champion in golf history.
But the left-hander has increasingly made headlines off the greens, The Athletic noted.
Burdened by gambling debts, Mickelson was implicated in an insider trading scandal in 2016. He was ordered to pay a fine and return his profits, but was not prosecuted due to lack of evidence.
In 2022, he faced fierce criticism for collaborating with the Saudi Public Investment Fund during the launch of the LIV Golf tour, a competitor to the PGA Tour.
Mickelson lost some of his long-time sponsors and joined LIV. He has since been suspended by the PGA Tour for participating in a rival event without authorization.
