Phil Mickelson found himself in more headlines for nothing to do with his play, as he is reportedly no longer a member of his home club after alleged misconduct.
In the latest potential scandal for one of the golf's iconic figures, Phil Mickelson found himself as the subject of some problematic headlines.
Golf Digest broke news that Mickelson is amidst a breakup with his longtime home club, The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Sante Fe, California, after an alleged incident of misconduct with a female employee.
According to the report, Mickelson is accused of making "nonconsensual and inappropriate" contact with the aforementioned employee, which led to her reporting this unwanted advances to club administration.
Officials with The Farms later confronted Mickelson in the middle of a round at the course and asked him to leave following the conversation.
Golf Digest was able to obtain a statement from The Farms related to the controversy.
"The Farms 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."
The statement continued, "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."
A typical reaction from those inside the golf world? As one PGA member told GolfRoundtable.com with mock surprise: "What did he do this time?''
The remark suggests that this might not be the first time Mickelson's been accused of "inappropriate'' behavior.
Mickelson had called the club for most of his professional career and now is unable to ever set foot back onto the course, barring a reversal from The Farms.
The bombshell report did not contain a direct comment from Mickelson, however, a spokesperson issued the following on his behalf.
"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."
For those unaware, Mickelson had stepped away from the sport back on February 1 after noting a family health issue that required his attention and care, which is the same matter referred to by this spokesperson.
Since this recess from golf, Mickelson made a lone appearance on the LIV Tour that resulted in a tied 48th place finish in South Africa in March. It is unclear when he will make a return, with the U.S. Open teeing off on June 18.
While the spokesperson stated the "misunderstanding" has been resolved, further investigation showed that Mickelson hired a top defamation attorney, Tom Clare, who sent a statement of his own to the Digest.
"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."
It is unclear where this situation will lead for Mickelson, but it is the latest incident for the longtime staple of golf during a time where he is struggling to be known for anything on the course.
