One of the most compelling events of the season, the WGC-Match Play sees most of the world’s best compete in the only matchplay event of the year.
Best Bet
Justin Thomas ($20)
The WGC – Dell Match Play has certainly eluded the favourites in its last three stagings but world No.7 Justin Thomas can end that run. Thomas has been in great form and can overcome a fairly banal 8-10-1 record at the WGC – Dell Match Play. He did reach the semis in 2018 so has shown an ability to go deep.
To succeed in Austin you need a top-tier iron game, an ability to create opportunities and high rates of scoring. Thomas ticks every box. He leads the Tour in Bogey Avoidance and sits 2nd in Birdie or Better. He ranks Top 8 in Proximity:125-150 Yards, Strokes Gained: Approach and GIR.
Thomas has posted Top 8 finishes in his last three starts and this looks the event for him to get another well-deserved victory.
Mid-Tier Bet
Shane Lowry ($51)
The big Irishman and winner of the 2019 Open Championship has been playing some sensational golf and can parlay that into a big finish this weekend.
Lowry has finished Top 25 in his last six worldwide starts including a runner-up finish in the Honda Classic. He has not got out of the group stage in any of the last five editions he has played in here but his game looks a lovely fit.
He leads the DP World Tour in GIR while he ranks 3rd in Bogey Avoidance, 5th in Proximity and 15th in Strokes Gained: Approach on the PGA Tour.
Value Bet
Will Zalatoris ($61)
Zalatoris is a tremendous iron player who finished 2nd in his group on debut last year and can make a real push this year.
He ranks 2nd in Strokes Gained: Approach and 11th in GIR. Two Top 6 finishes in his last five starts is indicative of the high-level he is playing at.
Prop Bet
Group 9 Winner – Richard Bland ($4.50)
English veteran Richard Bland is playing career-best golf on the cusp of a Champions Tour career. He is in a very winnable group with favourite Bryson DeChambeau a definite lay having never made it out of the group stage. Bland ranks 3rd on the DP World Tour in Bogey Avoidance, 14th in Strokes Gained: Approach and 15th in GIR.
