Dell Match Play Sweet 16 Predictions

AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 25: Jordan Spieth of the United States speaks with the media behind the 16th green during the third round of the World Golf Championships-Dell Match Play at the Austin Country Club on March 25, 2016 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 25: Bill Haas chips to the 6th green during the third round of the World Golf Championships – Dell Match Play at Austin Country Club on March 25, 2016 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Condon/PGA TOUR) /

Look for Bill Haas to outmaneuver Chris Kirk.

Chris Kirk and Bill Haas both surprised me. I didn’t expect to see either of them in the Sweet 16 brackets.

Haas got here by edging out Chris Wood 2 and 1 in the first round of group play and Thomas Pieters by 4 and 2 in the second. Then, to my complete astonishment, Haas managed to put Adam Scott away 1 up in a round that went to the end.

Kirk delivered some similar magic, winning his first round match against the much stronger Branden Grace 3 and 1 and following up on the momentum he built with wins over Russell Knox (3 and 2) and then David Lingmerth (also 3 and 2).

Now the question becomes which of these underdogs will prevail on Saturday? These guys look rather evenly matched. Haas has a bit more pro-level match play experience – 3 Presidents Cup teams to Kirk’s single Presidents Cup – so he may have a bit of a strategy advantage. But look for this match between Presidents cup teammates to go to 18.

Next: Day v Snedeker

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