Phil Mickelson is strongly refuting allegations of misconduct, including claims that he showed a woman a nude photograph of himself and was expelled from golf clubs. Representatives for the six-time major champion accused golf writer Alan Shipnuck of publishing an "anonymously sourced drive-by shooting" that relied on anonymous sources and factual distortions.
Shipnuck's investigation, published by Skratch, included assertions from Ashley Perez, then-wife of golfer Pat Perez, that Mickelson showed her an explicit photo of himself and propositioned her in 2015. The article also cited anonymous sources alleging Mickelson's departures from The Farms Golf Club, The Madison Club, and The Bridges were linked to claims of inappropriate advances and personal misconduct.
Mickelson's representatives stated that he has never been expelled from or had his membership revoked by any golf club, asserting that any decisions to leave were his alone. They also called false the suggestion that his wife, Amy, orchestrated his departures from these clubs, arguing that Shipnuck used anonymous sources to speculate about her role without firsthand knowledge.
The representatives further disputed Shipnuck's handling of Perez's allegation, arguing the story omitted a key detail from a later apology call. According to Mickelson's team, he challenged the characterization of the image by asking, "You mean topless?" They contend that Mickelson's willingness to apologize should not be mistaken for an admission of all allegations.
Broader criticisms from Mickelson's representatives targeted Shipnuck's reporting, accusing him of elevating "anonymous speculation" over firsthand reporting and using "implication" where facts were lacking. They also raised concerns about Skratch's undisclosed relationship with the PGA Tour, suggesting readers should be aware of this connection given the story's focus on Mickelson's departure from the PGA Tour for LIV Golf.
Ben Boskovich, editor-in-chief of Skratch, rejected Mickelson's claims, stating that the publication offered Mickelson and his representatives an opportunity to comment before publication. Boskovich asserted that Skratch stands by its reporting and that its affiliation with the PGA Tour has been publicly known since 2024.
Mickelson's representatives stated that the portrayal of the family's use of Apple's "Find My" feature as sinister was false, describing it as an ordinary family feature used by millions. They accused Shipnuck of prioritizing a "compelling, click-bait narrative over an accurate one," emphasizing that credibility is earned through transparency and verification, not provocative narratives.