WGC-Match Play: Predictions for All 16 Groups

Group 4: Hideki Matsuyama, Louis Oosthuizen, Ross Fisher, Jim Furyk

Sam’s Pick: Oosthuizen — Despite the presence of some players who are in relative slumps, it won’t be easy to advance out of this group. Oosthuizen was the runner-up in last year’s event, making him a less than ideal draw for Matsuyama, who tied for 45th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week.

Then there’s Fisher, who got into this field by virtue of his tie for third at the WGC-Mexico Championship earlier this month. While he’s not a household name on this side of the pond, he does have some match play experience as a former Ryder Cupper and WGC-Match Play semifinalist. The Englishman will have a real chance to play spoiler this week.

Furyk, meanwhile, is probably doomed — the veteran has yet to find the top 35 in four starts this year. Matsuyama’s talent makes him a tantalizing pick, but I’m not one to bet against King Louis when it comes to a marquee event like this one.

Beth’s Pick: Matsuyama — Up to a point, I agree with Sam. The battle in this group will be between Oosthizen and Matsuyama with Fisher and Furyk standing by to squeeze out some points if things get funky and the balls start taking bad bounces. Even though Matsuyama seems to have cooled off since his runner-up at the Tournament of Champions I’m looking for him to take a big breath and get back to work this week.