WGC-Dell Match Play: Who will survive and advance in Austin?

AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 27: Jason Day of Australia putts on the 11th green during his match against Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa in the championship match of the World Golf Championships-Dell Match Play at the Austin Country Club on March 27, 2016 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – MARCH 03: Dustin Johnson reacts to a birdie on the 18th green during the third round of World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship at Club de Golf Chapultepec on March 3, 2018 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Dustin Johnson (1) vs. Reed (19)

It’s boring picking the No. 1 all the way to the finals, but Johnson has been tough to slow down. Reed’s ran out of gas late in tournaments this season (137th and 51st in third and fourth round scoring average) and won’t have enough to edge DJ.

Johnson’s first in par breakers this season and has the firepower to keep up if Reed gets hot.

Prediction: Johnson

Justin Thomas (2) vs. Rory McIlroy (6)

In the second of two phenomenal semifinals, I’ll mix it up and go with the lower seed McIlroy. He has the better match play pedigree and may still feel as if he’s got something to prove.

An interesting subplot if this matchup comes to fruition is to see how the gallery composes itself. Both have been in the news for criticizing fan behavior with Thomas ejecting a fan and McIlroy voicing out against alcohol sales at tournaments.

Prediction: McIlroy

FINALS: Dustin Johnson (1) vs. Rory McIlroy (6)

McIlroy looks back to his old self, but Johnson’s elite play has never left. He’ll defend his WGC-Dell Match Play title with a 2&1 victory over McIlroy. Come Sunday, we’ll all be even more ready for Augusta after this star-studded event concludes.

Prediction: Dustin Johnson wins his second straight WGC-Dell Match Play title

Next: Rory McIlroy makes Masters statement with a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational

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