WGC-Match Play: Predictions for All 16 Groups
By Sam Belden
Group 7: Sergio Garcia, Jon Rahm, Kevin Chappell, Shane Lowry
Sam’s Pick: Rahm — Fans yelped with excitement when this group was announced on Monday evening — with the top two Spaniards in the world ranking going head-to-head, there will be an old vs. new dynamic in this group.
It’s hard to guess who will come out on top. Garcia won just a few weeks ago at the Dubai Desert Classic and is consistently outstanding in match play, but Rahm, with his immense talent and run of three top fives in his last four starts, looks primed to make a major statement this week. What’s more, Chappell and Lowry haven’t been impressing anyone this year, adding to the intrigue of a showdown between the two Spaniards.
It’s a tough call to make, but in the end, I’ll take a gamble on the talented youngster. Perhaps we’ll look back on this week as a changing of the guard in Spanish golf.
Beth’s Pick: Rahm — I’m taking the same gamble as Sam in the Garcia vs Rahm conversation. Rahm’s game is trending in the right direction and while El Nino can always be counted on to deliver when it counts the most, Rahm is eager and hungry. This time last year I would probably have put Lowry in the mix, but recently he hasn’t been looking ready to challenge either of the Spaniards.