WGC-Match Play: Predictions for All 16 Groups

Group 11: Danny Willett, Russell Knox, Bill Haas, K.T. Kim

Sam’s Pick: Kim — If the so-called “Group of Death” is the toughest pool in the field, then you can call this one the Group of Life. None of these four players are hitting particularly well at the moment, so it’s anyone’s guess as to who will advance.

Willett may be the reigning Masters champion, but he hasn’t played like it this year, notching just one top 50 finish in five starts. Knox hasn’t finished inside the top 60 since the Sony Open in Hawaii back in January, while Haas’ game has only slipped as the year as gone on.

Given all of that, I’m rolling with Kim this week. He’s not playing particularly well either, but given his draw, this is as good an opportunity for a lower-tier player to advance to the knockout stage as any.

Beth’s Pick: Willett — I have to admit that I’ve been disappointed by Danny Willett’s performance this season, but I suspect he’s been a bit sidetracked by his own celebrity. His 2016 Masters win wasn’t an accident. He can deliver a steady, consistent game under pressure, and that’s what he’ll need to do in Austin. Willett’s biggest challenge will come from Bill Haas and if he can hold Haas off I see him advancing. Will he survive to the quarter-finals? Probably not, but I’m getting ahead of myself.