DORAL, Fla. — Although there were 12 matches on the course simultaneously – eight singles and 4 foursomes – Friday’s quarterfinal round at the LIV Golf Team Championship was disappointing.
The marquee match featured fan favorite Phil Mickelson and the world No. The biggest crowd was around Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster, and 3 Cameron Smith had the best finish.
There is a difference in a good match from a close match. This match was closer to the former than the former. Start on No. Smith started on No.
Smith said that Smith and Smith both hit the ball well during the match. Although I didn’t putt as many as I would like, I was able get the job done on the last hole.
Smith was one of only two matches that made it to the last hole. Mickelson missed the fairway from the tee, and Smith found a greenside bunker.
Mickelson said that he had been playing well and felt like his game could match up. “But we both shot under par, but not enough — I felt I needed 66 or 67 to win the match and didn’t birdie the last seven holes, which was a pain.
He continued, “I don’t understand why I missed the fairway (18), and that really hurt because it didn’t give me a chance to get after green and make an easier four and a chance of eagle,” said he. “I had a lie I had to be careful with, make sure it was right and try to make my fours that way. It’s hard to beat someone as talented as Cameron.
Smith said, “Yeah it was a great match.” “I think Phil may have had some gamesmanship in here a bit. Today, he seemed to take forever. It was quite painful to think that we were only three or four holes behind. It was, however, a good experience.
The largest margin of defeat was shared by a pair of 5-and-3 wins. Peter Uihlein defeated James Piot. Joaquin Niemann also beat Shergo Al Kurdi to replace Martin Kaymer (Cleeks GC Captain).
Mickelson’s Hy Flyers, along with Niemann’s Torque GC and Kevin Na, and Bubba Watson’s Niblicks, were four of the teams that were eliminated from the $50m finale. Harold Varner III, who was first to the Niblicks for the injured Watson, defeated Smash GC captain Brooks Koepka 4 and 3.
“I believe I would have beat many people. It was great. Varner said that you just have to take care what you can.” Varner was happy with his win. It’s a shame that we didn’t make it as a group. Because winning isn’t winning if it’s going home, I don’t have much to share.
The semifinals will take place Saturday at 12:15 p.m. ET on YouTube. Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces GC takes on the Cleeks. Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs GC plays Punch GC. Koepka’s Smash will be against Ian Poulter’s Majesticks GC. Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers GC faces Louis Oosthuizen’s Stinger GC.
