Mickelson’s Short Game of Words Backfires as Scheffler Dominates

Phil Mickelson, the legendary golfer renowned for his exceptional short game and uncanny ability to navigate the greens, recently found himself in a less familiar and far less flattering position: eating his words. The six-time major champion, known for his occasional outspokenness, took a swing at Scottie Scheffler on social media, only to see his prediction spectacularly backfire as Scheffler roared back with a dominant victory.

The saga began in mid-March, when Joaquin Niemann secured his second LIV Golf tournament victory of the year. Mickelson, quick to celebrate Niemann’s success, used the occasion to subtly undermine Scheffler, the reigning world number one. In a tweet, Mickelson questioned Scheffler’s ranking, stating, "Top 5 (player in the world)? Try #1."

This seemingly innocuous jab didn’t sit well with many, particularly given Scheffler’s undisputed position atop the golf world. Mickelson, however, doubled down on his skepticism. He boldly predicted that Scheffler, despite coming off a historically dominant season on the PGA Tour, would not secure a victory in 2025 before the Ryder Cup in late September. This was a particularly strong claim, considering Scheffler’s track record and consistent performance.

At the time of Mickelson’s prediction, Scheffler was indeed in the midst of a winless streak, though partially attributed to a freak hand injury that had hampered his performance. While he consistently placed high, securing multiple top-10 finishes, the elusive victory remained just out of reach. This period of near-misses fueled Mickelson’s confidence in his prediction, seemingly reinforcing his belief that Scheffler’s reign might be waning.

However, the world of golf is known for its unpredictable nature and the capacity for even the most dominant players to experience fluctuations in form. And as fate would have it, Scheffler’s response was nothing short of emphatic. He entered the CJ Cup Byron Nelson tournament with a quiet determination, fueled perhaps by the external doubts cast upon him.

What followed was a display of golfing brilliance. Scheffler unleashed a torrent of birdies and eagles, navigating the course with precision and power. He played with an uncharacteristic aggression, attacking the pins and leaving no doubt about his intentions. His performance was so commanding that he not only won the tournament but did so in record-breaking fashion.

Scheffler finished the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at an astonishing 31-under par, tying the PGA Tour’s 72-hole scoring record. His victory was not merely a win; it was a statement. He demolished the competition, securing an eight-stroke victory and silencing any lingering doubts about his form.

The magnitude of Scheffler’s victory could not be ignored. Even Mickelson, known for his unwavering self-belief, had to acknowledge the sheer brilliance of Scheffler’s performance. He publicly conceded his misjudgment, tweeting, "So I might have been off on that one" accompanied by a pair of crying laughing emojis, followed by "Congrats to Scottie on a great performance."

Adding a touch of salt to the wound, former Masters champion Trevor Immelman subtly nudged Mickelson online, prompting the public acknowledgement. The exchange highlighted the competitive yet often humorous dynamic within the professional golf community.

Scheffler’s victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson marked his 14th career PGA Tour win, a testament to his consistent excellence and unwavering dedication. Despite the earlier winless streak, he had already amassed five top-10 finishes this year, including a notable fourth-place finish at The Masters. His success demonstrated his resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity, solidifying his position as the world’s top-ranked golfer.

The timing of Scheffler’s victory is particularly significant, as it comes just before the PGA Championship, scheduled to begin at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club on May 15th. His momentum and confidence are undoubtedly at an all-time high, making him a formidable contender for the major championship.

Mickelson, who has also confirmed his participation in the PGA Championship, will have the opportunity to witness Scheffler’s prowess firsthand. Mickelson himself has a strong history at the PGA Championship, having won the tournament twice in his illustrious career (2005 and 2021). The presence of both players at the event adds another layer of intrigue to the competition, given their recent exchange.

The incident serves as a reminder that even the most seasoned professionals can misjudge the trajectory of their rivals. It also underscores the unpredictable nature of golf, where form can fluctuate rapidly, and comebacks are always possible. While Mickelson’s short game on the course remains legendary, his short game of words this time around landed him in the rough, forcing him to acknowledge the undeniable talent and resilience of Scottie Scheffler. The golf world will undoubtedly be watching closely as both players compete at the PGA Championship, curious to see if this brief moment of contention will fuel further competition and potentially a renewed rivalry.