Scheffler sticks it to Mickelson with emphatic win in Texas

Scottie Scheffler celebrates with the winner's trophy during the final round of the The CJ Cup Byron Nelson golf tournament. Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Scottie Scheffler sticks it to Phil Mickelson with emphatic win in Texas

By Jack Dougherty | Last updated May 6, 2025 8:03 AM ET

Scottie Scheffler blitzed the field at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson to snag his first win of the 2025 season. The World No. 1 cruised to an eight-shot victory with his final score of 31-under par, which tied the record for the lowest 72-hole score in PGA Tour history.

Most fans predicted Scheffler was due for a performance like this after winning nine times in 2024, but Phil Mickelson wasn't one of them. Back in March, Mickelson took to X to give out his hottest take for the 2025 PGA Tour season.

"Here's a hot take. Does Scottie win in 2025 before the Ryder Cup? I don't think so," he wrote in a post responding to Trevor Immelman.

"Phil … this is not just hot, it’s scalding! I do think Scottie wins before the RC," Immelman responded. "Let’s all keep the receipt on this and revisit throughout the season."

After Scheffler finished off his dominant, wire-to-wire win at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, X users hit Mickelson with the Old Takes Exposed treatment. Immelman even replied to his old post highlighting Mickelson's cold take, but the six-time major champion was a good sport about it.

So I might of been off on that one
Congrats to Scottie on a great performance
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) May 4, 2025

You have to respect Lefty going out on a limb, but Scheffler was never going nine months without a win in his current form. The American gained a ridiculous 18.25 strokes with his ball striking, including 12.81 strokes on approach, at TPC Craig Ranch.

Following the win, Scheffler now ranks first on Tour this season in total strokes gained, strokes gained on approach, proximity to the hole, scrambling percentage and scoring average. With those numbers, it's almost shocking that he's won only once in nine starts this year. This likely won't be his last victory in 2025.

Thankfully for Scheffler, he's playing his best golf of the season leading up to the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club. The second major of the year will begin on Thursday, May 15. With how well Scheffler is playing right now, it's hard to bet against him — unless, of course, you're Mickelson.

Jack Dougherty

Jack Dougherty has been writing professionally since 2015, contributing to publications such as GoPSUSports. com, Centre Daily Times, Associated Press, and Sportscasting. com

More must-reads: