World Number One Dustin Johnson is the man to beat in the fourth edition of the round-robin match play format, as Rory McIlroy returns after claiming a first victory in 18 months last week. Here are five things to know about the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play…
1) Champ Johnson leads the way
Last year’s WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play Champion and World Number One Dustin Johnson never trailed in any match he played. The 33 year old has led or was all-square in all of the 112 holes needed to secure a fifth career World Golf Championships trophy. With the victory, Johnson became the first man to win each of the four World Golf Championships.
2) Team Europe
European Tour Members comprise nearly half of the 64-man field descending on Austin Country Club this week, a sign of the growing strength in the global game. Notable WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play first-timers include the Race to Dubai leader Shubhankar Sharma of India, China’s Li Haotong, and a last-minute addition Julian Suri of America, who gained entry into the field after his fellow European Tour Member Joost Luiten was forced to withdraw with a wrist injury.
3) Round-robin returns
This year represents the fourth edition of the round-robin match play format. Previously, the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play was a single elimination event. The change has provided excitement for fans and players alike, as one round-robin loss does not necessarily mean the end of the week for a competitor. The 64-man field is broken up into 16 groups of four, with players facing off over the first three days. The winner of each group will advance to the elimination stage over the weekend.
4) Home sweet home
The WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play has found a popular home in Austin Country Club since its arrival in 2016. The 7,097-yard course has an exciting mix of holes, including the potentially driveable 350-yard par four 13th, as well as a pair of short par fives, the 512-yard fifth, and the closing 527-yard 18th, which is sure to provide a dramatic finish to close matches. Previous venues include La Costa Resort & Spa (1999-2000, 2002- 2006), Metropolitan Golf Club (2001), The Gallery at Dove Mountain (2007-2008, 2013-2014), Ritz Carlton Golf Club (2009-2012) and TPC Harding Park (2015).
5) Golfing royalty
There are five former WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play champions competing this week. Defending champion Dustin Johnson and 2016 winner Jason Day – who had won previously at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain in 2014 - have both claimed the title at Austin Country Club, while European Tour Members Rory McIlroy, Matt Kuchar and Ian Poulter have lifted the trophy at previous venues.
