WGC-Dell Match Play bracket predictions – Quarterfinals
Collin Morikawa defeats Scottie Scheffler
I said it was going to take something special to beat Scheffler in match play given his history and current form. I think Morikawa has that.
We know that Morikawa is unafraid of big moments with his even-keel approach and history in majors. Moreover, his approach play continues to strike me as the biggest weapon this week in Austin. I think he consistently gives himself good looks and puts the heat on Scheffler. Eventually, I think it’s Morikawa that emerges in a tight one.
Kevin Kisner defeats Patrick Cantlay
Maybe I’m taking it a bit too far here, but I’m once again not going to fade Kisner. This match will feature a ton of gamesmanship as Patrick Cantlay’s slow play is a weapon for him while Kiz is a bulldog that keeps nagging and attacking. I think that’s we see time and again and I’m going simply with the guy who has the better history in this format, which is Kisner — even if Cantlay is no slouch in that regard.
Jon Rahm defeats Adrian Meronk
If this one makes it to the 16th hole, I’ll be shocked. I love the way Adrian Meronk is playing right now, but the fact of the matter is that he hasn’t been great in any area of his game. Rahm indeed has been with his ball striking overall and, of course, his putter. That last part is key with Meronk losing strokes on the greens over his last 16 rounds, which is why I have Jon Rahm moving forward to the semis.
Rory McIlroy defeats Min Woo Lee
Much in the same way of the Rahm vs. Meronk match, I just don’t think Lee has the ceiling to match with McIlroy, especially with the way that Rory has been playing this year. His combination of ball striking and magic in trouble spots is a nightmare when you’re in the match play format, and I don’t think Lee is ready to contend with that this week.