
via Imago
Credits: IMAGO

via Imago
Credits: IMAGO
Another drama is brewing in the world of golf, and this time, it just might be an indirect horn lock between the two leagues. Joaquín Niemann’s impressive win in Singapore has sent shockwaves through the golf community, with many praising his incredible form. The Chilean golfer’s victory marked his second win of the season and fourth in the LIV Golf after he carded a 65 to win by a comfortable five-stroke margin at the Sentosa Golf Club.
Niemann’s dominant performance has earned him widespread acclaim, with Torque GC tweeting, “Joaquín Niemann has got to be a top 5 player in the world right now. Currently sits at the top of the leaderboard in Singapore for his 2nd win of the season and 4th in @livgolf_league . Vamos Joaco “. Well, it seems the win everyone was so happy about has rubbed fans the wrong way, and the reason for that is a fellow LIV Golfer.
Phil Mickelson, never one to shy away from controversy, replied to the tweet with a simple yet provocative message: “Top 5? Try #1.” And, well, Mickelson’s tweet has stirred up controversy, with some fans praising his bold statement and others criticizing him for being biased toward his fellow LIV Golfers. Many are also interpreting Mickelson’s comment as an indirect jab at World number 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler, who is still searching for his first win of the 2025 season.
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Top 5?
Try #1— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) March 16, 2025
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The debate is sure to continue, with golf fans eagerly weighing in on the topic.
Netizens are ripping apart Phil Mickelson over his latest comment
Starting off strong with what one fan commented, “You don’t even believe that sh*t Phil”, while the other one said, “number one? Come on, Phil.” Well, Niemann might not be number one, but that is certainly his goal. As one of the standout performers in the LIV Golf League, the 26-year-old Chilean has been making waves with his impressive form, including a win in Adelaide in February this season. With a strong drive to succeed, Niemann is determined to establish himself as one of the world’s best golfers, and a victory at a Major is firmly in his sights. “I feel like I’m getting closer. I feel like I have a lot more to accomplish, there’s a lot I have to improve, and a lot I have, results-wise, to chase down. But it’s definitely my goal,” Niemann said, highlighting his hunger for success.
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What’s your perspective on:
Is Phil Mickelson right to claim Niemann as #1, or is it just LIV Golf bias?
Have an interesting take?
Another fan took a brutal jab at Mickelson’s claim and LIV Golf as they wrote, “#1 in LIV is like being the best college player bc of the weak competition”, while this one said, “Apparently Phil thinks Joaquin Niemann is the #1 player in the world. So the #1 player in golf doesn’t have a T10 in a major? 😂.” Well, it is true. Surprising. But true. Despite being one of the best golfers out there, Niemann sadly does not have a top-10 finish in a major. His performances in the 2024 Majors were a mixed bag, with finishes of T22 at the Masters Tournament, T39 at the PGA Championship, and T58 at The Open, which, while not disastrous, hardly inspire confidence in his ability to contend for a Major title.
His scores suggest that he struggled to find consistency and momentum. Niemann’s best finish in a Major remains a T16 at the 2023 Masters. One fan commented something that was echoed by many in the comment section as they wrote, “I guess they don’t know Golf.” So, what are your thoughts on Mickelson’s comment? Let us know in the comment section below!
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Let the world know your perspective.
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Debate
Is Phil Mickelson right to claim Niemann as #1, or is it just LIV Golf bias?