Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson has formally rejected accusations of misconduct detailed in a report by the golf outlet Skratch. His representatives characterized the article as an unfair attack relying on unidentified sources.
Journalist Alan Shipnuck reported that Mickelson had been barred from three golf clubs in California due to alleged inappropriate interactions with women. The article also featured an account from Ashley Perez, the ex-wife of golfer Pat Perez, who claimed Mickelson showed her an explicit photo of himself in 2015 and made an unwanted advance.
Regarding the Perez incident, Mickelson’s representatives stated that the report lacked important context and stemmed from a misunderstanding for which he had previously issued an apology. They emphasized that his past willingness to apologize should not be interpreted as an admission of all the claims presented against him. Furthermore, the statement denied that Mickelson had ever been kicked out of a golf club, noting that any departure from club membership was entirely his personal choice.
The statement also questioned the journalistic integrity of Skratch, pointing to their use of anonymous sourcing and historical connections to the PGA Tour. In response, Skratch editor-in-chief Ben Boskovich stated that the outlet maintains the accuracy of its reporting and provided the golfer and his team an opportunity to address the claims before they were published. Mickelson, who transitioned to the LIV Golf circuit in 2022, has recently stepped away from competition to focus on a personal family health matter.
