Phil Mickelson loses longtime California golf club membership

Phil Mickelson is no longer a member of The Farms Golf Club in Southern California after a female employee reported alleged misconduct by the six-time major champion, the club said following a Golf Digest report.

Golf Digest, citing multiple sources, reported that Mickelson, 55, had his membership canceled at the Rancho Santa Fe club after he was accused of “nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact” with a female employee before a round of golf this spring. The outlet reported that the employee rejected his advances and reported the incident to supervisors. Mickelson was later confronted about the allegation while on the course and asked to leave, according to the report.

The Farms Golf Club, located about 25 miles northeast of San Diego, did not name Mickelson in a statement to NBC News but said, “This individual is no longer a member.”

“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 said.

In a statement reported by The Guardian, the club said it was “committed to maintaining a golf club environment that is safe, respectful and reflects the highest standards of conduct.” It added: “All members are required to adhere to our code of conduct, and any allegations of misconduct are taken seriously.”

Mickelson’s representatives disputed the allegations in comments to Golf Digest. Tom Clare, an attorney who told the magazine he was representing Mickelson, said the claims were “squarely contradicted by objective, video evidence.”

“There is a great deal of misinformation circulating,” Clare said, adding that “Phil’s full attention is devoted to a private family health matter.” In a fuller statement cited by The Guardian, Clare said Mickelson had retained defamation counsel and “is determined to hold accountable any publication or individual trafficking in speculation or false rumors.”

A spokesperson for Mickelson said: “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.” Mickelson’s representative did not respond to NBC News’ request for comment Thursday.

Mickelson announced in April that he would step away from competition for an extended period to attend to a family health matter. The Guardian reported that he has been absent for most of this season on the LIV tour because of family issues and that he skipped the Masters in April and the US PGA Championship the following month.

Mickelson, a married father of three, has long practiced at The Farms. He is regarded as one of the top golfers in the sport’s history and has won six major championships. His career has also included controversy, including his involvement in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series. The Guardian reported that ongoing questions about LIV’s future, including the expected loss of Saudi Arabian funding, add uncertainty to Mickelson’s future in professional golf.