Scottie Scheffler showed why he remains the pre-eminent force in golf by lifting the CJ Cup Byron Nelson on Sunday, silencing Phil Mickelson in the process. Scheffler cruised to his first win of 2025 with a masterful 31-under-par, leaving the competition in the dust by an impressive eight shots.

Erik van Rooyen had to settle for second place at a respectful 23-under, while - who's eyeing a career Grand Slam at the forthcoming PGA Championship - set a new personal best round of 62 on Sunday. Following a year that many would dream of but saw as quiet for , he will be thrilled to have made a victorious return to TPC Craig Ranch, especially after Mickelson's prediction that the world No. 1 wouldn't bag another PGA Tour victory before September.

Last year, Scheffler clinched numerous high-profile accolades like the , the Players Championship, , and the Tour Championship, scooping a total of nine wins. However, doubts about his world-ranking supremacy began creeping into conversations as blazed into 2025, securing the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Players, and Masters.

And Mickelson tried to stir the pot earlier this season, during a peculiar barrage of tweets aimed at hyping up the event in South Korea. The controversial golfer suggested his LIV compatriot Joaquin Niemann was the globe's finest player, confidently boasting: "Top 5? Try #1," on X back in March.

He also cast doubt on Scheffler's prospects this year by writing: "Here's a hot take. Does Scottie win in 2025 before the ? I don't think so," back in March. Despite Niemann's five LIV tournament victories since early 2024, his ranking dropped to 83rd in the Official World Golf Ranking, given that LIV events do not contribute to ranking points.

The 26-year-old from Chile, matching Scheffler's 18 professional wins, is still considered one of golf's elite talents. Yet, despite formidable competition, no one has managed to surpass Scheffler's performance over the last 18 months.

A recent victory at TPC Craig Ranch underlines Scheffler's exceptional ability as he heads into the PGA Championship, starting in just 11 days at Quail Hollow in North Carolina. Scheffler is targeting the PGA Championship to edge closer to a coveted career Grand Slam of his own.

With two majors under his belt, both at the Masters, three major opportunities remain this year - the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, the at Pennsylvania's Oakmont Country Club in June, and taking place in July at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.

Speaking after his victory this weekend, Scheffler shared with CBS Sports' Amanda Balionis: "This tournament means a lot to me. It's my first start as a pro, 11 years ago, when I had my sister caddying for me - she's back there too. It feels like a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice for little moments like these, and they're pretty special."