Phil Mickelson's representatives have strongly refuted allegations of misconduct that led to his purported expulsion from golf clubs, characterizing the reporting as "drive-by shooting" journalism that relies on anonymously sourced claims and potential bias.
According to a statement from Mickelson's spokeswoman, the golfer was never expelled from any golf club and any departures from memberships were voluntary resignations. The statement specifically addressed a recent story published by Skratch, which accused Mickelson of showing a nude photo of himself to a fellow golfer's wife and hinted at other instances of infidelity and abrupt membership terminations at golf clubs.
Mickelson's spokeswoman challenged the reporter's methods, stating that the story implies Mickelson was forced out of clubs when he was not. "Mr. Mickelson has never been expelled from a golf club. His membership has never been revoked by a golf club," the statement read. It further asserted that any suggestion of his wife, Amy, playing a role in his departures was false, emphasizing that such decisions were his alone.
The statement also addressed an allegation that Mickelson paid a young man in the pro shop to drive his car around the course to deceive his wife about his whereabouts, allowing him to have clandestine meetings. Mickelson's spokeswoman argued that this was portrayed as sinister when it was merely a common "Find My" feature used by families, and that anonymous speculation was presented as meaningful insight.
While Mickelson's spokeswoman did not explicitly deny the allegation of showing a nude photo to Ashley Perez, the ex-wife of golfer Pat Perez, the statement did confirm that Mickelson "apologize[d] for his conduct." However, it cautioned that this apology "should not be misconstrued as an admission of every allegation made against him."
The spokeswoman also raised concerns about potential corporate bias, noting that Skratch was founded by the PGA Tour, the organization Mickelson has since distanced himself from by joining LIV Golf. The statement concluded by criticizing reporting that prioritizes a "compelling, click-bait narrative over an accurate one," elevating "anonymous speculation over firsthand knowledge" and minimizing context that undermines sensational claims.
Mickelson has reportedly been attending to a "personal health matter" and has participated in only one LIV Golf event this year, foregoing major championships.