Phil Mickelson is one of the most recognizable champions in the professional golf world. With six major titles to his credit, he's one of the game's best. However, Mickelson's reputation took a hit recently when he was reportedly accused by a female employee of The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, of "inappropriate contact," according to Golf Digest. Per the outlet, sometime this spring, "Mickelson approached the female employee at the clubhouse where he made nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact with her. The employee rejected his advances."
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The Farms stated that they looked into the alleged situation carefully after the employee reported it. As a result, Phil Mickelson, as the outlet reported, "is no longer a member" there. In fact, he was supposedly told about the employee's claims while in the middle of a round of golf. At that time, Mickelson was allegedly told to leave The Farms and did so.
Mickelson did not directly provide any comments to the outlet about this story. But a spokesperson said 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."
The female employee, whose name was not disclosed, also did not make any comment.
The Farms Golf Club Issued a Statement
In its statement, The Farms said that its members are expected to follow a Code of Conduct. Also, that the Club is dedicated to upholding "integrity, excellence, and accountability." Regarding Phil Mickelson's alleged behavior, The Farms says that they "conducted a thorough independent investigation" and he "is no longer a member...."
The Golfer's Attorney Also Commented About the Situation
Tim Clare, identified as a defamation attorney, is reportedly representing Phil Mickelson. Clare claims that the description of the incident as put forth by the outlet is "squarely contradicted by objective, video evidence."
However, Golf Digest contends that there are no video cameras where the incident in question allegedly took place at The Farms. Furthermore, The Farms also said, per the outlet, that no video footage shows Mickelson with the female employee.
In his statement, Tom Clare noted, "There is a great deal of misinformation circulating...." He did not specify exactly what that "misinformation" is.
