‘What’s he doing?’ – Sky Sports man blasts Phil Mickelson

As Rory McIlroy claimed his second PLAYERS title over the weekend, Phil Mickelson was busy raising eyebrows on social media.  

Six-time major champ Mickelson, who finished in a tie for 19th at LIV Golf Singapore on Sunday, started by claiming on X that Joaquin Niemann is the best player in the world.

“Joaquín Niemann has got to be a top five player in the world right now,” wrote his team Torque GC on X. Mickelson controversially replied: “Top 5? Try #1.”

Niemann, currently ranked No.82 in the Official World Golf Rankings – a system that has become muddled without LIV recognition – has won four titles on the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit but has only one top-20 finish in the majors.

Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast from TPC Sawgrass, on-course commentator Wayne “Radar” Riley was incredulous with Mickelson’s verdict on the Chilean.

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“I read that, I just couldn’t believe it,” Riley said. “I thought it was one of those ones where you don’t know who’s writing it. So it’s real!?

“Well Niemann’s not the best golfer in the world for starters. I’d say he’s a top-20 player in the world, thus being invited to The Masters. I think he’s a fantastic golfer. He isn’t a top-ten player in the world. Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander [Schauffele], do you want me to carry on?”

Mickelson later made the assertion that world No.1 Scheffler won’t win another tournament until the Ryder Cup rolls around this September.

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“Here’s a hot take,” Mickelson wrote. “Does Scottie win in 2025 before the Ryder Cup? I don’t think so.”

Mickelson’s unusual admission about the current Masters champion certainly ruffled a few feathers.

“What’s he doing?” Riley added. “Scottie Scheffler, when he wins, how’s Phil Mickelson looking? He’s made some beauties.

“But that’s what you get when you want to be the smartest person in the room I suppose.”

Ben Parsons is the Senior Writer at bunkered and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.