Phil Mickelson Responds to Allegations of Club Expulsions and Misconduct
In early September 2025, a story published by Skratch Golf claimed that Phil Mickelson had been removed from three private golf clubs after allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women, including an alleged incident in which he showed a nude photograph to a former spouse of fellow golfer Pat Perez. The article quickly drew attention because Mickelson had left the PGA Tour in 2022 to join the rival LIV Golf circuit.
The Claims Made by Skratch Golf
According to the Skratch report, Mickelson’s membership was:
- revoked at The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, after an alleged non‑consensual physical encounter with a club employee;
- terminated at the Madison Club in La Quinta, California; and
- ended at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe.
The piece also cited anonymous sources who suggested that Mickelson’s wife, Amy, played a role in the clubs’ decisions, and quoted Ashley Perez, former wife of Pat Perez, who said Mickelson showed her a nude photo of himself in 2015 and invited her to meet him after Pat fell asleep.
Mickelson’s Representatives Issue a Denial
Responding to the story, Mickelson’s legal and public‑relations team released a statement to the New York Post on Wednesday, characterizing the Skratch article as an “anonymously sourced drive‑by shoot” aimed at creating clickbait rather than factual reporting.
The statement emphasized three points:
- Mickelson has never been expelled from a golf club;
- His membership has never been revoked by any club; any decision to leave was his own;
- The article mischaracterized his interaction with Ashley Perez, noting that his willingness to apologize for past behavior should not be read as an admission of all allegations.
The representatives also noted that Skratch Golf maintains a corporate relationship with the PGA Tour, the organization Mickelson departed for LIV Golf in 2022, and suggested that readers consider this connection when evaluating the story.
Skratch Golf’s Defense of Its Reporting
Ben Boskovich, editor‑in‑chief of Skratch Golf, told the New York Post that Mickelson and his team were given a chance to comment before publication but declined to do so. Boskovich stood by the article’s sourcing, asserting that the outlet’s affiliation with the PGA Tour does not compromise its editorial independence.
Context: Mickelson’s Tour Career and Recent Moves
Phil Mickelson remains one of the most decorated golfers in modern history. His major‑championship record includes:
- Masters Tournament victories in 2004, 2006, and 2010;
- PGA Championship wins in 2005 and 2021;
- The Open Championship title in 2013.
Over his PGA Tour career, Mickelson amassed 45 official victories, placing him among the all‑time leaders in tour wins.
In 2022, Mickelson made headlines by resigning his PGA Tour membership and signing with LIV Golf, a Saudi‑backed series that has sparked ongoing debate about the future of professional golf.
Why This Story Matters
The controversy touches on several issues relevant to the sport and its audience:
- Player conduct and club governance: Allegations of misconduct raise questions about how private clubs handle complaints and enforce standards of behavior.
- Media relations in a polarized environment: Mickelson’s move to LIV Golf has intensified scrutiny from both traditional golf media and newer outlets, making accurate reporting especially important.
- Impact on sponsorship and public perception: High‑profile athletes often face reputational risks that can affect endorsement deals and fan support.
By presenting statements from both Mickelson’s representatives and the reporting outlet, and by grounding the discussion in verifiable career facts, this article aims to provide readers with a balanced view that adheres to journalistic best practices.
As the situation develops, further statements from the clubs involved, Mickelson’s camp, or additional investigative reporting may clarify the facts. Readers are encouraged to consult multiple reputable sources before forming conclusions.
