WGC-Dell Match Play bracket predictions – Round of 16
Scottie Scheffler defeats Tommy Fleetwood
As much as I’m in on how Fleetwood has been playing and what the numbers show in terms of trends, he’s no match for Scheffler in this spot. The No. 1-ranked player in the world is firing on all cylinders and it’s going to take something special to upend him this week.
Collin Morikawa defeats Viktor Hovland
This is the match that everyone will have circled for the Round of 16. Two of the brightest young stars in the game going head-to-head with Morikawa and Hovland. For me, this comes down to match play strategy given how well both strike the ball. Morikawa is going to hit his approach first on most holes. If he’s firing darts like I expect, that will put pressure on Hovland, who has a tendency to get over-aggressive in those spots. As such, give me Morikawa to win this epic battle.
Kevin Kisner defeats Taylor Montgomery
For as much as I like Montgomery’s putting and the mental effects it could have in match play, I don’t see it getting into the head of Kiz. Kisner is too good in this format and, frankly, is just a more consistent and reliable player with his ball striking. A few long made putts aren’t going to shake him and the veteran advances.
Patrick Cantlay defeats Seamus Power
While Power played extremely well early in this event last year, the fact of the matter is that his recent form hasn’t been much to write home about, basically looking like an average player over his last 16 rounds in weighted strokes gained. Cantlay hasn’t been at peak form, but he thrives in this format and should be able to come out with a win in this match.
Jon Rahm defeats Corey Conners
If Rahm gets out of the group stage, I think we start to see him really feel it. He’s been a good match play golfer in his career but I love him when he’s gaining confidence. I don’t think Conners’ putter is reliable enough against someone like Rahm, especially if he’s getting hot, for the Canadian to be able to compete adequately in this match.
Adrian Meronk defeats Andrew Putnam
As the result of two upsets, we have a match between two lower seeds here. Putnam truly hasn’t been playing all that well lately, losing weighted strokes gained total over the last 16 rounds. Meronk has gained everywhere but with the putter.
Min Woo Lee defeats Xander Schauffele
The upsets don’t stop in the group stages and I think we have one brewing here. One thing that has struck me is that Lee seems to be gaining some confidence with more PGA Tour starts. Moreover, he was solid enough to go 1-1-1 in this event last year. I think he stuns Schauffele in this match to move on.
Rory McIlroy defeats Tyrrell Hatton
God, I love this match. Two players who have been in great form this year and who have strong match play backgrounds. For me, though, I come down to Hatton’s overall temperament. When he thinks he has holes won and Rory pulls out some wizardry, it’s going to eat him up. Weirdly, that’s why I have McIlroy advancing.