McIlroy faces stiff competition
Rory McIlroy has been handed a tough draw for the new-look WGC-Cadillac Match Play Championship in San Francisco.
The World No 1 has been grouped with three formidable Americans – former PGA champion Jason Dufner, former FedEx Cup winner Jason Dufner and seven-time PGA Tour titlist Brandt Snedeker.
The tournament’s new format sees the current top 16 in the world rankings each placed in a different group, to be joined by three players drawn from pools depending on their current rankings.
Between Wednesday and Friday, there will be round-robin matches between the four players in each group, with the winners advancing to face off in a knockout format over the weekend.
McIlroy’s title bid starts with a match against Dufner on Wednesday.
Should he progress past the group stage, he’ll advance to face the winner of Group 16, headlined by Hideki Matsuyama and also featuring Kevin Na, Joost Luiten and Alexander Levy.
Lee Westwood, meanwhile, will have to contend with Masters champion Jordan Spieth, as well as Matt Every and Mikko Ilonen, a late entry into the 64-man field following the withdrawal of Phil Mickelson.
Sunday’s Zurich Classic champion Justin Rose will be up against Ryan Palmer, Anirban Lahiri and Marc Leishman.
Group 4 sees Bubba Watson take on Louis Oosthuizen, Keegan Bradley and Miguel Angel Jimenez.
Latest
-
NewsRory McIlroy leads the way in Abu Dhabi as he eyes overdue victory
McIlroy will have to keep his Ryder Cup team-mates at bay if he is to claim the trophy.
-
NewsTyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
NewsRory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
NewsRory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
NewsJustin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
NewsMy last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
NewsRory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
NewsRory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
NewsRory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.