Day five best bets and accumulator picks for WGC-Match Play

Scottie Scheffler vs. Sam Burns (1505 CET)

The world’s best player takes on a new challenge in the semifinals of WGC Match Play – he takes on one of his closest friends on the PGA Tour.

Scheffler has answered just about every other question that’s been asked in the past year or so, but facing Burns may not be easy for him. Those on board at 8/1 pre-tournament prices would probably prefer him to face off against Mackenzie Hughes for a spot in the finals.

The two play a lot of golf together and have been close for a long time. They were brought together in the Presidents Cup thanks in part to their friendship, adding an interesting dynamic to the first of tonight’s semifinals.

Burns was upset and there are still question marks over his long game. I felt Patrick Cantlay let him off the hook on Saturday morning because he missed a golden opportunity to get on the table with two and from the tee there are definite concerns despite his progress at this stage.

Scheffler should take the lead in that department having been the best driver to date and it could be difficult for Burns to play first and win, although it has to be said Scheffler had to fight hard to capture JT Poston and then Jason Defeating Day What was an exciting Saturday.

Scheffler eventually increased his record to 15-2-2 and that combined with his superior form makes him hard to beat. As he’s played the 17th so far this week, he may finally beat his friend and rival there, but don’t be surprised if he has to come from behind again to do so.

Conclusion: Scheffler 3&1

Rory McIlroy vs. Cameron Young (1520)

This is the in-form semi-final so far. In fact, the best player for the first four days of the event was Young and the second best was McIlroy. Both have appreciated a rain-soaked Austin Country Club, and this one packs a punch.

Everything is new for Young, not just his relationship with caddy Paul Tesori. Last year he played no part in the event and is still looking for his breakthrough on the PGA Tour, while his decent but unspectacular debut at the Presidents Cup ended in a singles loss.

Still, he played his best golf of his career this week, even better than second at the Open where McIlroy finished third. To give you some context, he was the best putter in this quartet, the best around the green and by far the best on his approaches. He’s third from the tee which is usually his forte.

It’s a terrifying mix and if he keeps it up McIlroy may need to match the outrageously good golf he played yesterday morning to beat Lucas Herbert in arguably the best game of the week. I am confident that he will find all the answers he needs after I set it to 10/1 after the first round of playbut he has to beat the best player on the field so far and then possibly the best player in the world.

If there’s a bet here, it’s probably because Young has the better start, and 15/8 leading the turn seems like the best option to me. That said, it’s not big enough and I’ll sit back and hope McIlroy comes through without having to play 18th, although I suspect this match will go the distance.

In that sense, only one of the 14 semi-finals in this format has finished before the 16th. I don’t expect that number to have moved this afternoon.

Conclusion: McIlroy 2up

Posted at 0925 BST on 3/26/23

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