The five most interesting WGC Match Play round-robin matchups
The PGA Tour changed the format for the WGC-Cadillac Match Play Championship, going from a knockout-style bracket from the outset to starting with 16 groups of four players competing in round-robin pool play.
The change guarantees that every player will get at least three matches and won’t be sent packing on Day 1. Officials hope it will keep fans interested further along during tournament week, while also allowing top players more of a chance to rise to the top of their group.
The obvious benefit here is that fans get a chance to see more matches through group play. The blind draw to create the groups has led to some fascinating matches over the first three days of the competition. Here are our five favorite matches:
5. Group 12: J.B. Holmes vs. Brooks Koepka (Friday) — This is a match of bombers, with both players already winners this year. Koepka has moved back to the mean of late, but he should give Holmes a great challenge.
4. Group 4: Bubba Watson vs. Miguel Angel Jimenez (Wednesday) — This match is not only a contrast of styles, but also of personalities. Jimenez is as laid-back as they come, and he’ll be well behind the two-time Masters winner on pretty much every tee shot. However, Watson’s high-strung nature leaves him prone to stumbling in match play.
3. Group 1: Rory McIlroy vs. Billy Horschel (Friday) — This rivalry dates back to the 2007 Walker Cup, when Horschel beat McIlroy twice. McIlroy should be favored, but Horschel’s intensity — and Ryder Cup snub — could motivate him to an upset.
2. Group 15: Patrick Reed vs. Ryan Moore (Friday) — Patrick Reed was an absolute match-play stud in college and demonstrated he hadn’t lost the edge at the 2014 Ryder Cup. However, Ryan Moore is tough to get off-axis. The 2004 U.S. Amateur champion can rise to the test.
1. Group 11: Jimmy Walker vs. Ian Poulter (Friday) — Walker was one of a few American standouts during the 2014 Ryder Cup, squaring off against one of the best players to ever compete in the biennial matches. Walker should be a bulldog and give Poulter fits, but the Englishman is playing some of his best golf.
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
