Finally, it’s down to REAL match play at the WGC.
Most of the big names are gone but the biggest looms quite large going into the knockout round of 16.
Rory McIlroy (2), Jason Day (3), Hideki Matsuyama (4), Jordan Spieth (5), Justin Thomas (6), Sergio Garcia (7), Patrick Reed (9) and Tyrrell Hatton (10) are all gone.
Dustin Johnson was unbeatable the first three days, going 3-0, never trailed in a match and is the man to beat this weekend.
Here’s how Saturday’s eight matches stack up:
UPPER BRACKET:
Dustin Johnson (1) vs. Zach Johnson (44): The Johnson boys duke it out. Zach got in on the last hole of the last match on Friday but alas, he doesn’t have enough firepower to take down D.J. D.J. made no bogeys on Wednesday and Friday “Had a couple on Thursday in the wind,” he added.
Brooks Koepka (20) vs. Alex Noren (8): Could be a great match. Koepka has rebounded from his poor performances coming into the match play and went unbeaten in the round-robin play. Noren is very solid, doesn’t make many mistakes. Winner of this match faces the Johnson vs. Johnson winner.
Hideto Tanihara (54) vs. Paul Casey (12): Who is Tanihara? Ask Jordan Spieth. Spieth lost to him on Wednesday. Casey is a solid, experienced match play veteran and should have the edge in this match.
Bubba Watson (13) vs. Ross Fisher (47): Like Koepka, Watson found some of his mojo this week. If Bubba plays anywhere near his potential, he should take Fisher. Winner faces the Tanihara-Casey winner.
LOWER BRACKET:
Marc Leishman (28) vs. Phil Mickelson (14): Another good matchup. Leishman earned his spot in a three-man playoff and has momentum from his win last week at the AP Invitational. Mickelson charged through the round-robin with a 3-0 record and was never threatened. Mickelson’s experience and short game skills give him the edge in this match.
Bill Haas (42) vs. Kevin Na (46): Two guys who are happy to be where they are. Haas made a miracle 120-foot pitch-in on the second hole of a playoff and eventually won his group. Na won his playoff on the first hole. Good match here, it’s a toss-up. Winner plays the Leishman-Mickelson winner.
Jon Rahm (21) vs. Charles Howell III (61): Rahm is a huge favorite in this matchup. He has power, accuracy and poise. In the midst of a good early season, he should advance over Howell.
Will McGirt (48) vs. Soren Kjeldsen (62): McGirt is the tour’s biggest over-achiever. He’s a supreme grinder and don’t be surprised if he comes out of this match the winner. Winner faces the Rahm-Howell victor.
They’ll play 36 holes on Saturday to get down to the final four.
