Phil Mickelson admits mistake after Scottie Scheffler's stunning victory

In early March 2025, Phil Mickelson publicly expressed his belief that Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer, would fail to win a tournament before the Ryder Cup, scheduled for September. This statement came shortly after Joaquin Niemann secured his second victory of the LIV Golf season, prompting Mickelson to praise Niemann while diminishing Scheffler's achievements. At that time, Scheffler was recovering from an unusual hand injury and had not yet won a tournament in the current season, despite having multiple top ten finishes, including a strong showing at The Masters. However, the situation drastically changed shortly after Mickelson's bold claim. Just three weeks later, Scottie Scheffler stunned the golfing world by triumphing at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, achieving an impressive win by a staggering eight-shot margin and tying the PGA Tour 72-hole scoring record at 31-under par. This victory came as a significant endorsement of Scheffler’s talent and the resilience he exhibited while dealing with injury earlier in the season. Following this result, Trevor Immelman, a former Masters champion, playfully reminded Mickelson of his earlier prediction, prompting the six-time major winner to admit his error publicly. In response, Mickelson took to social media to acknowledge his mistake humorously, stating, "So I might have been off on that one," accompanied by laughing emojis. He congratulated Scheffler on his impressive performance, recognizing that his prior prediction had backfired spectacularly. The incident highlights how the high-pressure environment of professional golf can lead to bold—and sometimes misguided—opinions from players. As the golfing community prepares for the upcoming PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, where both Mickelson and Scheffler will compete, this incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of sports. While Mickelson has a storied career as a major champion, it shows that even experienced athletes can miscalculate the potential of their peers under different circumstances. The sequence of events underscores the intensity of competition and the significance of maintaining respect among professional golfers, regardless of the volatile opinions that may arise during the season.