WGC-Dell Match Play: Predictions for Saturday’s Knockout Rounds

Dustin Johnson (1) v. Zach Johnson (50)

Because of their names, nationalities and outstanding resumes, DJ and ZJ will always will always be associated with one another to a certain extent, but their games couldn’t be more different. As a result, we could see a fascinating battle between these longtime Ryder Cup teammates, but you don’t need a crystal ball to know that the younger Johnson has a much better chance of reaching the quarterfinals.

DJ is coming off of back-to-back tournament wins and managed to escape pool play without a blemish, so he should be able to keep it going as we reach the home stretch of the Dell Match Play.

Prediction: DJ

Alex Noren (8) v. Brooks Koepka (20)

Entering the week without a top 40 finish in six starts this year, Koepka had no business going undefeated during group play, but that’s exactly what he did, taking down match play stud Patrick Reed and a surging Kevin Kisner in the process.

Noren, too, earned three points against his pool, and with Francesco Molinari’s withdrawal prior to Friday’s action, he’ll be better rested. But even so, I’m backing Koepka — the Florida native was outstanding at the Ryder Cup last fall, and with his great performance this week, he’s starting to establish himself as one of the world’s foremost players in this format.

Prediction: Koepka

Quarterfinal Prediction: Dustin Johnson v. Brooks Koepka

If this is the matchup, golf fans will be in for a real treat — both Johnson and Koepka are ultra-long, and they have the ability to drain some lengthy putts once they get going.

Koepka’s tremendous performance in pool play makes him a tempting option, but it’s hard to bet against DJ these days. With a decisive victory in each of his three matches to this point, I’ll take Johnson to win and continue his quest to become the first player to win the career “WGC Slam.”

Prediction: Johnson