• Phil Mickelson admitted he was wrong in predicting that Scottie Scheffler wouldn't win a PGA Tour event before the Ryder Cup.
• Scottie Scheffler won the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in dominant fashion, winning by eight strokes and tying a PGA Tour record.
• Mickelson's initial prediction was made in March, and he acknowledged his mistake after Scheffler's victory.

Phil Mickelson, a prominent figure in LIV Golf, made a bold prediction in March 2025 that Scottie Scheffler, the world's number one golfer, would not secure a PGA Tour victory before the Ryder Cup. This prediction was swiftly proven incorrect as Scheffler clinched a commanding win at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Following Scheffler's victory, Mickelson publicly acknowledged his misjudgment, marking a moment of accountability for the six-time major champion.

• What: Phil Mickelson made an incorrect prediction about Scottie Scheffler's winless streak, which Scheffler disproved by winning the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
• Who: Phil Mickelson, Scottie Scheffler, Joaquin Niemann, Trevor Immelman, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Erik van Rooyen.
• When: Mickelson made his prediction in mid-March 2025. Scheffler won the CJ Cup Byron Nelson on May 4, 2025.
• Where: CJ Cup Byron Nelson tournament in McKinney, Texas. Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club (upcoming PGA Championship).

Mickelson's prediction, initially presented as a 'hot take' on social media, underestimated Scheffler's resilience and skill. Scheffler's dominant performance at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, tying a PGA Tour record, underscores his position as the world's top golfer. The incident highlights the risks of making definitive predictions in sports, particularly when based on short-term performance fluctuations. It also shows Mickelson's willingness to engage in public discourse, even if it leads to admitting errors.

"So I might have been off on that one. Congrats to Scottie on a great performance."

“What he's doing is inspiring, what he's been doing is inspiring. I mean, it wasn’t that long ago I was definitely better than him, and now I'm definitely not right now. I hate admitting that about anybody, but I just watched it those first two rounds, and like I've got to get better. It's very inspiring.”

“There’s nothing you can do. Scottie was practically flawless, which is kind of what you expect from the world number one.”

Mickelson's misjudgment underscores golf's inherent unpredictability, while Scheffler's CJ Cup Byron Nelson victory solidifies his top-ranking and elicits Mickelson's admission. Scheffler's momentum positions him as a formidable contender at the PGA Championship held at Quail Hollow Club. However, Quail Hollow poses potential challenges. Mickelson's presence adds intrigue, especially considering his two past PGA Championship wins. Despite a disappointing performance in the 2024 PGA Championship, Mickelson's lifetime exemption ensures his participation, and his confidence remains high. While Scheffler seeks his third major win, emulating his success at the Masters, McIlroy's resurgence sets the stage for a potentially electrifying showdown. The narrative extends beyond individual performances, encompassing Scheffler's bid to further cement his legacy against the backdrop of Mickelson's experience.