WGC-Match Play: Predictions for All 16 Groups

Group 6: Justin Thomas, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Kevin Na, Chris Wood

Sam’s Pick: Fitzpatrick — While Thomas has the lofty world ranking, there doesn’t appear to be a clear favorite in this group. After all, the Alabama product has missed the cut in two of his last three starts, including one against weak competition at the Valspar Championship.

Then there’s Fitzpatrick, who, as a former U.S. Amateur champion and 2016 Ryder Cup team member, already has a wealth of match play experience in his young career. He was tied for third at the halfway mark of last week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, and while he faded to a tie for 13th, he’s still been more consistent than Thomas in recent weeks. Na was a sudden death playoff away from advancing out of the group stage in last year’s event, while Wood has a history of rising up when we least expect him.

Thomas is still an enticing option, but my pick is Fitzpatrick. The young Englishman has the game to start winning some more big events, and it seems like he’s waited long enough for WGC success.

Beth’s Pick: Fitzpatrick — While this group has some built-in dangers for everybody, Matt Fitzpatrick is a man on a mission. He’s playing for a PGA Tour card and needs a win. He almost got the job done last week at Bay Hill. The Englishman is an outstanding match play strategist and he enjoys the format. Thomas is snarled in his early-season successes and having trouble getting focused on the here-and-now.  Na and Wood are probably along for the ride.