Austin Country Club had a good showing at this week’s WGC Dell Match Play. The short holes worked well in the format, and there were some ridiculously long downhill drives. As is typically the case with match play, big names fell at the hands of not so big names, but in the end the player on the hottest streak won.
We’re two weeks out from the Masters. Just a quick stop in Houston to go before that annual rite of Spring tees off on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National. Golf’s big three are playing well, as are a number of other top names. It’s going to be fun.
Let’s hit the links.
Hole #1: Day After Day
Jason Day goes back to back by winning the WGC Dell Match Play Championship, a week after winning at Bay Hill. To do so, he dispatched Rory McIlroy in the semifinal by making birdie on the last. After a 5-4 win over Louis Oosthuizen to claim the cup, he will also take over the world #1 ranking. So who’s your favorite for Augusta? [Link]
Hole #2: A Real Big Break
Former Big Breaker, Tony Finau birdied the 18th hole three times in a row in sudden death to win the Puerto Rico Open in a playoff over Steve Marino. The pair finished regulation at 12-under. [Link]
Hole #3: Kia for Ko
With the season’s first major coming up next week for the women, it’s more of the same as Lydia Ko gets her 11th win at the Kia Classic. [Link]
Hole #4: The Modern Golf Swing: Marvel or Menace?
Brandel Chamblee says the modern swing is robbing players of distance (hard to imagine in these days of 350-yard drives) and causing injuries. [Link]
Hole #5: Hook ’em Horns
Jordan Spieth’s Masters Champions Dinner menu? Texas BBQ, of course. [Link]
Hole #6: Ax vs. Golf Ball
Those guys who bowled a strike on a downhill golf hole? They’re back with an ax. [Link]
Hole #7: Divot’s Picks? Not Too Baaaaaaad
Divot knows his golf! 🐐⛳️ https://t.co/4wFTRLDEyZ
— Rory Mcilroy (@McIlroyRory) March 22, 2016
Hole #8: One Way to Catch a Golf Ball
Here’s a new use for sports cars. [Link]
Hole #9: Match Play Secrets
How to win at match play, according to Spieth. [Link]