Phil Mickelson's Representatives Strongly Criticize Recent Report on Alleged Misconduct, Labeling It 'Drive-By Shooting'

Representatives for professional golfer Phil Mickelson have issued a stern rebuke to a recent article that published a series of allegations concerning his personal conduct and club memberships. The report, which emerged earlier this month, suggested Mickelson had shown an explicit photo of himself to a fellow golfer’s ex-wife and had been expelled from a golf club due to alleged misconduct with a female employee.

Mickelson’s team responded forcefully, calling the reporter’s style a "drive-by shooting" marked by "anonymously-sourced" stories. They highlighted that the five-time major champion had previously sought legal counsel regarding defamation surrounding "false rumors" of his departure from a golf club, which was ultimately clarified as a voluntary resignation on his part.

The report also featured an interview with Ashley Perez, the former wife of professional golfer Pat Perez. She alleged that Mickelson showed her a nude photograph of himself, depicting an erection and a flexed bicep, and invited her to his bedroom after her then-husband had fallen asleep. The publication further cited other unnamed sources who alluded to potential infidelity by Mickelson and abrupt terminations of his memberships at various golf establishments.

Addressing Club Departures and Family Involvement

Mickelson’s representatives strongly refuted claims implying he was forced out of multiple golf clubs. "The clear implication is that Mr. Mickelson was forced out of multiple golf clubs. He wasn't. Mr. Mickelson has never been expelled from a golf club. His membership has never been revoked by a golf club," a statement from his team asserted.

The statement also criticized the reporter for citing a source that suggested Mickelson’s wife, Amy, played a role in his club departures. "That is false. Mr. Mickelson has never been forced by his wife or by any golf club to surrender his membership. Those decisions were his alone..." the statement clarified. It continued, "Instead, the source's personal assumption about her involvement is presented as fact, and that unsupported speculation has since been repeated by other media outlets as though it were established truth. It is not."

Furthermore, Mickelson’s spokesperson took issue with the report’s account of a source claiming Mickelson would pay "a young man in the pro shop" $500 to drive his phone around the course. This was allegedly done so his wife would believe he was playing golf while "tracking his phone," allowing Mickelson to engage in "secret rendezvous." The source for this anecdote was cited as "The kid from the pro shop told me."

Mickelson’s spokeswoman countered this by stating, "The reporter attempts to portray an ordinary 'Find My' family feature, used by millions of families every day, as something sinister. It wasn't. Anonymous speculation is presented as meaningful insight when it is nothing more than unsupported opinion."

Response to Personal Conduct Allegations and Journalistic Ethics

While the statement from Mickelson's team did not deny the allegation regarding the nude photo shown to Ashley Perez, it did confirm that he "apologize[d] for his conduct." However, the spokeswoman emphasized that this apology "should not be misconstrued as an admission of every allegation made against him." She added, "Responsible journalism does not amplify the most sensational characterization of a disputed event while minimizing the fact that the allegation itself was challenged."

Mickelson’s team also raised concerns about potential "corporate" bias, noting that the publication originated from the PGA Tour, while Mickelson has since transitioned to LIV Golf.

The statement concluded with a broad critique of the article’s journalistic integrity:

"Taken together, these reporting failures expose an article that prioritizes a compelling, click-bait narrative over an accurate one. Anonymous speculation is elevated over firsthand knowledge. Implication is used where facts fall short. Private family members are falsely drawn into public narratives without evidence. Context that undermines sensational allegations is minimized. Readers are left with conclusions the reporting itself never actually establishes."

"Credibility is not earned by publishing the most provocative narrative. It is earned through transparency, verification, and a clear distinction between fact, inference, and speculation. Those standards protect readers just as much as they protect the people being written about. Readers should demand more. Journalism should, too."

Currently, Phil Mickelson has participated in only one LIV event this year and no major tournaments, as he is reportedly addressing a "personal health matter."