“Top 5? Try #1,” said Phil Mickelson, claiming that Joaquin Niemann was the best golfer in the world and not Scottie Scheffler. He doubled down on it by further stating that the real world No. 1 won’t win any titles before the 2025 Ryder Cup. His exact words were, “Here’s a hot take. Does Scottie win in 2025 before the Ryder Cup? I don’t think so.” He was confident that Scheffler was out of form and wouldn’t be able to recover for most of the season. Oh, how the tables have turned!

On the other end, Mr. Inevitable pushed himself to the limits. Scheffler might not be the person you would want your kids to watch when he’s not winning because he throws temper tantrums and causes a scene on camera. It might be good for the ratings, but it isn’t good for the sport as its best player has anger issues. But at times, it felt like his frustration was justified.

He had a runner-up finish at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, a T3 at The Genesis Invitational, and a 4th place at Augusta National. Yet, what broke him was his abysmal run at the WM Phoenix Open, where he finished at T25. Things looked grim for Scottie Scheffler, and Phil Mickelson‘s prediction was turning into reality, until today!

In a delay-ridden CJ Cup Byron Nelson, the drama slayer took on the field at TPC Craig Ranch. And he did so in a convincing fashion. Matching the course record score of Justin Thomas from his efforts in the 2017 Sony Open, Scheffler won the event in his hometown with a 31-under par 253. 8 strokes separated him from the rest of the field. Having finally broken the curse, the 28-year-old made Mickelson eat his own words. And lefty responded to the same with a tweet that read, “So I might of been off on that one 😂😂 Congrats to Scottie on a great performance 👍👍.” What a way to make the legend pay for the absurd prediction he made back in March 2025. And as if the man who is chasing Tiger Woods‘ records is suddenly going to stop winning.

But why was Joaquin Niemann brought into the conversation in the first place? What did the Chilean have over the world no. 1 for the lefty to choose his fellow LIV Golf player? Let’s compare how both players have fared in 2025.

What made Phil Mickelson pick Joaquin Niemann over Scottie Scheffler?

2025 has been a roller coaster ride for both Joaquin Niemann and Scottie Scheffler. However, the PGA Tour pro has gone down the hill far more often than Phil Mickelson’s peer. Niemann has been rocking the scene in LIV Golf, grabbing three wins in six events he has taken part in so far. The 26-year-old has been incredibly consistent and is on the path to becoming the player of the year in the Saudi-based promotion.

When it comes to Scottie Scheffler, this is his first win in nine attempts. Coming off a Christmas Day injury, the world no. 1 started the season much later than some of his peers. As we have mentioned, he has come incredibly close but failed to capture a win until his efforts at TPC Craig Ranch. This season, Scheffler has been shockingly miserable at putting and has one of the worst driving distances among his peers. His approach shots have also been average at best, and that has led to many bunker shots. Unfortunately, Mr. Inevitable has struggled to pull off good sand saves, ranking 90th on the PGA Tour.

By winning the CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2025, Scheffler has come back to form just at the right time. He won’t be making the trip to the Philadelphia Cricket Club for the Truist Championship next week. Hence, the next 10 days at home would be vital for the world no. 1 as he prepares for the 2025 PGA Championship.

Do you think Scottie Scheffler will present a challenge to Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Joaquin Niemann at Quail Hollow? Let us know in the comments section.