LIV Golf star banned from club over alleged 'inappropriate contact'

A LIV Golf star has reportedly had his membership at a golf club cancelled over alleged “inappropriate contact” with an employee.

While the organisation continues its search for new sources of funding following confirmation that it will soon lose Saudi Arabian backing, LIV has yet another problem, this time involving one of its most well-known players.

A report from Golf Digest alleges that American golfer and six-time major winner Phil Mickelson had his membership at a San Diego golf club cancelled after allegations of “inappropriate contact” with a female employee came to light.

The outlet claims multiple sources explained that Mickelson is no longer a member of The Farms Golf Club after an employee accused him of inappropriate conduct towards her before playing a round earlier this year.

This reportedly prompted Mickelson to challenge the accusation before leaving the course.

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Golf Digest cited sources claiming Mickelson approached the woman in the clubhouse before allegedly making non-consensual and inappropriate physical contact with her, after which she reported the incident to her colleagues.

“Any misunderstanding has been cleared up,” said a spokesperson for Mickelson. “Phil continues to attend to a family health matter and is uncertain when he will be able to return to professional golf.”

The 55-year-old has played just once this year due to an undisclosed family health matter that has not been made public. He also sat out the Masters and the PGA Championship.

ESPN reports that the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation into the allegations but found no evidence of wrongdoing.

The Farms provided the following statement to Golf Digest: “The Farms Golf Club 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.

“Following a staff member’s 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.”

Attorney Tom Clare also provided the following statement: “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 rumours.”