Golfer Phil Mickelson has been accused of having one of the ‘worst takes’ in the sport’s history after predicting that Scottie Scheffler would endure a tough spell this year until the Ryder Cup in September. Since Mickelson’s prediction, Scheffler has been sensational. Scheffler heads into the final day of The Open with a comfortable four-shot lead over Li Haotong at the top of the leaderboard and looks set to lift the Claret Jug for the first time.
If the world No. 1 were to secure the title, it would not come as a significant surprise to many – although Mickelson may be shocked to see him collect another accolade. In March, the 55-year-old made an incredibly bold prediction about Scheffler.
He wrote on X: “Here’s a hot take: Does Scottie win in 2025 before the Ryder Cup? I don’t think so.” Since the tweet, Scheffler has won The CJ Cup Byron Nelson, breezed to PGA Championship success and won the Memorial Tournament, and it would take a marked downturn in form for him now not to win The Open.
Mickelson has been mocked for his post, with many X users questioning the train of thought behind the tweet. One account, @zephyrmelton, wrote: “This may go down as the worst take in golf history.”
Another, @calax12, wrote: “It’s very possible that this is the worst take of all-time.” @weekseric8 added: “This tweet gets funnier every single week.” Others also pointed out that such remarks may have spurred Scheffler on given that he has taken his golf to a new level over the past few months.
If the 29-year-old wins at Royal Portrush, it would see him complete the third leg of the career Grand Slam and takes him one step closer to matching Rory McIlroy’s remarkable recent achievement. Scheffler was consistent on Saturday, ticking along well in front without taking too many risks and thus holding the field comfortably at bay – and he was a few putts away from extending his lead further.
He remained bogey-free throughout, whilst moving to 14 under with an eagle and two birdies. Speaking after the action, Scheffler said: “I was pretty patient. Sometimes in major championships, it can be tough to make birdies, and today was one of those days.”