Phil Mickelson's representatives have denied allegations that the golfer was expelled from multiple golf clubs due to misconduct and that he once propositioned a rival's wife by showing her a nude photograph of himself. These denials come in response to a report by Skratch reporter Alan Shipnuck, which Mickelson's representatives characterized as an "anonymously sourced drive-by shooting" containing factual distortions.
According to the Skratch report, Ashley Perez, the ex-wife of golfer Pat Perez, claimed that Mickelson showed her a naked photograph of himself in 2015. Perez stated that Mickelson shared a living space with her and her husband during a tournament in New Jersey that year and allegedly told Ashley that he planned to leave his bedroom door open at night, expressing a desire to see her once her husband fell asleep. Shipnuck's report also indicated that Mickelson, Perez, and his wife allegedly discussed the incident over a 26-minute phone call, during which Mickelson reportedly oscillated between contrition and denial. However, Mickelson's spokespeople told The New York Post that any apology offered should not be interpreted as an admission of all allegations.
Mickelson's representatives also refuted claims from anonymous sources cited in the Skratch piece that his alleged misconduct led to his removal from exclusive California clubs, including The Farms, The Madison, and The Bridges. One woman reportedly told Skratch that Mickelson had propositioned her in graphic detail.
The Skratch report further suggested that Mickelson's wife, Amy, played a role in his departures from various clubs, and that the couple's relationship was strained. One claim alleged that Mickelson paid pro-shop employees and club members $500 to drive around courses with his phone to prevent his wife from tracking his location. Mickelson's representatives have called this accusation "false" and criticized Shipnuck for including Amy Mickelson, who is not a public figure, in the report.
Mickelson's representatives also accused Skratch of harboring a grudge against their client due to his defection to LIV Golf, a circuit that has faced an uncertain future. They noted that the PGA Tour holds a minority stake in Skratch, a corporate relationship they suggested readers might consider relevant when evaluating the report.
Skratch editor-in-chief Ben Boskovich defended the reporting, stating that Shipnuck provided Mickelson and his representatives ample opportunity to respond to questions before publication. Boskovich asserted that "Skratch Golf stands by its reporting."
Mickelson withdrew from the Open Championship prior to the surfacing of the Skratch report and will miss the event for the first time in 17 years.
Previously, Mickelson denied allegations of inappropriate contact with female staff that reportedly led to his removal from The Farms Golf Club. Golf Digest had reported that these allegations resulted in his immediate removal from the grounds and the revocation of his membership. The San Diego County Sheriff's Office confirmed to The Daily Mail that they attempted to locate evidence to support potential sexual assault allegations but found no official reports or evidence of an assault. A spokesperson for Mickelson described the incident as a "misunderstanding."