WGC-Cadillac Match Play: How today may unfold
A look ahead at the final day of group matches
We look at today's final round of group matches and work out who looks likely to make the last 16 and who is heading home
Today the WGC Matchplay gets serious with the final round of group matches. A total of 48 out of the 64 players will be going home before the knockout rounds get underway on Saturday. Here we look at each group and run through who is likely to last through to the weekend.
Group 1
Two wins apiece for Rory McIlroy and Billy Horschel means it comes down to a straight shootout between the pair to see who progresses. The players have a history of some heated encounters so expect fireworks when this one tees off.
Group 2
There is a similar scenario in Group 2 with Lee Westwood and Jordan Spieth doing battle for a last-16 berth. It looks a tough ask for the Englishman but he’s coming off the back of a win at the Indonesian Masters and produced a fine comeback from three down to beat Mikko Ilonen yesterday.
Group 3
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
A couple of dead rubbers await us in Group 3 as John Senden secured his place in the last 16 with an impressive win over Bill Haas. His previous win over Henrik Stenson means that even if with a defeat to American Brendon Todd today, his head-to-head record will see him through.
Group 4
This group will be decided by a repeat of the 2012 Masters playoff with Bubba Watson facing Louis Oosthuizen. The pair have both recorded wins over Keegan Bradley and Miguel Angel Jimenez setting up a chance for the South African to exact some revenge for his Augusta defeat.
Group 5
Things get a bit more complicated in Group 5 with all four players having won one and lost one. Jim Furyk, Martin Kaymer, Thongchai Jaidee and George Coetzee will all be looking to win and then rely on the other result going their way. Furyk and Kaymer tee off first and whoever triumphs will have a nervous wait see if they progress.
Group 6
The group is in Marc Leishman’s hands but if he loses things will get interesting. Justin Rose can still progress but he needs to beat Ryan Palmer and hope Anirban Lahiri defeats Leishman setting up a three-way sudden-death playoff.
Group 7
Similar to Group 6, Charley Hoffman has his fate in his own hands. A defeat to Branden Grace however, could see a three-way playoff between the two players and Zach Johnson, if he beats Jason Day.
Group 8
Same again in Group 8, this time with Charl Schwartzel in the driving seat. If Matt Jones beats Schwartzel however, it could set up another playoff as long as Dustin Johnson overcomes Victor Dubuisson.
Group 9
Paul Casey has continued his form from the Masters with two wins so far. Another victory over Francesco Molinari will secure his qualification but a defeat could mean the Italian progresses or trigger a play-off involving Chris Kirk.
Group 10
Anything can happen in Group 10 with all four players having a chance to qualify. Jamie Donaldson and Sergio Garcia tee off first with Tommy Fleetwood and Bernd Wiesberger following, each hoping results work in their favour.
Group 11
This group has produced the biggest surprises so far with the top two seeded players already knocked out. Jimmy Walker and Ian Poulter will contest a dead rubber while Webb Simpson and Gary Woodland will fight it out for a place in the next round.
Group 12
Another possible playoff scenario here with Brooks Koepka in control this time. If he slips up against JB Holmes however, Marc Warren will have the chance to take it to sudden death.
Group 13
The second group to be wrapped up already with Rickie Fowler’s qualification confirmed. He can relax against Graeme McDowell, while Shane Lowry and Harris English will also face a low-pressure battle.
Group 14
Two former champions could still go through here. Hunter Mahan knows a win against Matt Kuchar will be enough but if the 2012 champ clinches it he will either qualify or force a three-way play-off with Ben Martin. Martin will need to overcome Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher.
Group 15
Danny Willett has performed magnificently to overcome Patrick Reed and Ryan Moore to head Group 15. Another win against fellow Englishman Andy Sullivan will see him through but Sullivan is still hopeful he can qualify. Reed will also be hoping Sullivan prevails as he could still sneak into a playoff.
Group 16
Another possible three-wayer with Hideki Matsuyama knowing a win will be good enough. If he loses to Kevin Na this could open the way for both players to playoff with Joost Luiten for the final last-16 spot.
Tom Clarke joined Golf Monthly as a sub editor in 2009 being promoted to content editor in 2012 and then senior content editor in 2014, before becoming Sports Digital Editor for the Sport Vertical within Future in 2022. Tom currently looks after all the digital products that Golf Monthly produce including Strategy and Content Planning for the website and social media - Tom also assists the Cycling, Football, Rugby and Marine titles at Future. Tom plays off 16 and lists Augusta National (name drop), Old Head and Le Touessrok as the favourite courses he has played. Tom is an avid viewer of all golf content with a particularly in depth knowledge of the pro tour.