Ernie Els and Justin Rose square off on Thursday — Getty Images
Billy Horschel versus Jason Day -- One shows you his emotions right on his sleeve while the other is quietly picking you apart. Both couldn't approach the game any different, but both hit the ball as well as anyone on tour, and this one seems like the match of the day if you're looking for one to go the distance and be exciting. Winner: Horschel
Rory McIlroy versus Harris English -- You aren't going to find a matchup of two 24-year-olds that is better than this one, with Rory hoping to make a run like he did back in 2012. If McIlroy really wants to make a statement that he is back this season, a long run at the Accenture would be the key, but English is playing some solid golf, with three top-1os in his last four starts on tour. Winner: McIlroy
Rickie Fowler versus Jimmy Walker -- This is New School versus Old School, flash versus class, and it is destined to be a great match. Fowler is one of those guys that can really do well in match play simply because most of his bad stroke play rounds are ruined by one or two big numbers and that win over Ian Poulter has to be a confidence booster. Walker is just going to go about his business like he has this season, and I expect this one to be a fun battle all day. Winner: Walker
Matt Kuchar versus Ryan Moore -- The defending champion will have his hands full in this one, and I could definitely see an upset here for Moore if he makes a few putts early in the round. Winner: Moore
Justin Rose versus Ernie Els -- It might not be "Adam Scott versus Phil Mickelson" which would draw a lot of non-golf fans, but few things get better than seeing two major champions go at it in the match play. Els has struggled at this event in the past, but an opening round win and a still rusty Rose could mean a third round visit for Ernie if he can figure out these greens. Winner: Els
No comments:
Post a Comment