Smiting Drives - High rollers run to the hills for WGC Match Play

16 Feb 2010 - 08:46:48

With the arrival of the WGC-Accenture Match Play this week, golf will justify our full attention for the first time in 2010.

There's a stellar field gathered in Arizona and the format lends itself to pure entertainment.

Sadly for the baying masses, you-know-who won't be there, robbing England's Chris Wood of a glorious opportunity to beat him 10&8 in the opening round and send a message of intent to Europe's Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie.

"That one's for Elin," he might have muttered, as yet another iron arrowed toward the flag.

Wood instead faces Race to Dubai champion Lee Westwood, in what promises to be a cracking first-round encounter between England's master and his apprentice-in-waiting.

From a European perspective, the eye-catching opening ties include Rory McIlroy vs Kevin Na, Luke Donald vs Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter vs Justin Leonard and Oliver Wilson vs Miguel Angel Jimenez.

Wilson came home T9 at Dove Mountain last year, and his match play credentials - validated by a decent showing at the 2008 Ryder Cup - would suggest this event represents a really good opportunity to finally put a trophy in his cabinet.

Europe's most unwinningest will surely end his wait sooner rather than later (I've written that at least three times before).

Meanwhile, if McIlroy can get past fellow young gun Na, he could face his best mate McDowell in a potentially humdinging all-Northern Irish second round match.

Elsewhere in the draw, defending champion Geoff Ogilvy faces Alexander Noren of Sweden, and should be in confident mood after a victory at the SBS Championship to start his US Tour season.

Last year's runner-up, Paul Casey, will take on Stephen Ames of Canada as he continues his comeback from injury.

Another interesting match-up sees Dustin Johnson, fresh from defending his Pebble Beach title last week, take on the bulging biceps of Camilo Villegas, who's banked two top-20 finishes in his first two starts this year in the Middle East.

Ian Poulter should also have a spring in his step (as if he doesn't usually), having ended a victory drought in November at the Singapore Open and since bagged three top-10s on the Race to Dubai. Poulter, in case you hadn't noticed, rather enjoys match play, and he'll fancy his chances againt an out-of-sorts Leonard first up.

England's Ross McGowan has arguably the sternest test of the opening round, having drawn world number two and former champion Steve Stricker.

Stricker has the opportunity to pull further clear of Phil Mickelson in the rankings in Arizona, with the world number three opting to skip the event.

Phil and Tiger might not be there, but the WGC Match Play is about as good as golf gets outside the majors and the Ryder Cup. The season is officially upon us.

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