Mickelson's Niemann 'Best Player' Claim Under Scrutiny Amid Major Championship Context

Phil Mickelson's declaration that Joaquín Niemann was the best player in professional golf has drawn renewed attention, particularly in the context of major tournaments. This claim, made after Niemann's victory in Singapore in 2025, positioned Niemann above his peers, a sentiment that has been subject to scrutiny as the golf season progresses.

Niemann, who had secured a PGA Tour win before joining LIV Golf, has indeed been a prominent figure on the LIV circuit, accumulating eight individual victories. Four of these wins occurred after Mickelson's specific endorsement, underscoring Niemann's consistent performance within that league. However, the overall value and competitive strength of LIV Golf victories remain a topic of discussion among golf analysts.

Major championships are widely regarded as the ultimate measure of a golfer's elite status. This perspective highlights the challenge in assessing player rankings solely based on non-major events. Mickelson's previous predictions have not always aligned with subsequent outcomes; for instance, he also once suggested Scottie Scheffler would not win on the PGA Tour before the Ryder Cup, a prediction that did not materialize.

The market's current assessment of these players reflects a differing view. For the Masters Tournament, Joaquín Niemann is listed at +6000 (FanDuel), indicating he is considered a longer shot for major success. In contrast, Scottie Scheffler, who Mickelson once doubted, is a strong favorite at +500 (Bovada) for the same event. Phil Mickelson himself, a multiple major winner, is currently priced at +30000 (FanDuel) for the Masters.