Two of the top players lost their first group play matches Wednesday under extra pressure at the WGC/Dell Technologies Match Play at Austin Country Club.
Jon Rahm and Kurt Kitayama won big after opening-day defeats. Harris English also scored important wins on Thursday afternoon.
Rahm was the No. Keith Mitchell was defeated 4-and-3 by Rahm, the No. Kitayama, 19th seed, won the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He beat Christiaan Benzuidenhout 2 and 1. English, 37th seed, won the morning’s most dramatic result by defeating No. 7-seeded Will Zalatoris 5-and-3 ended Zalatoris’ chances of reaching the next round in group play.
All the winners, who desperately needed to win to survive, had one thing in common: They didn’t let themselves feel any additional pressure from their must-win situations.
Rahm stated, “You can’t think about tomorrow.” It is easier to focus on the things you can control. “I did a great job today.”
Rahm was pleased with his first loss to Rickie Fowler. However, he felt that he hit the ball very well, but couldn’t make any putts. On Thursday, he putted much better. Mitchell was in complete control of his game. He started at No. 12, before concluding the match with a par on 15th.
“Wednesday against Fowler, I hit a few really good putts but they didn’t go in. Rahm stated that today was the exact opposite. “We were pretty even until 8 and then 9, 11, 12 I make those putts, and suddenly I have a five shot lead.”
Combining the win with the other result in his group, Friday will be easy. This is the big picture thought he carried with him to Thursday’s first tee.
Rahm stated, “Obviously, I know that (if I win) the next two matches I give myself a good chance.” “The only thing I need is Rickie losing and then, if I win Friday, I’m guaranteed at least to be in a playoff.” Rahm said. That’s what I was thinking.”
Fowler agreed and fell to Billy Horschel 3and-2.
Kitayama lost his first round match to Christiaan Beizuidenhout, by one shot, after 13 holes. However, he won No. 13 and No. 14 to take the lead, and never looked back. The 17th was the winner. English shot the first hole and took the lead against Zalatoris. English said that he had to be the aggressor and it paid off.
English stated that English had “kind of changed my mindset” and was now trying to be the aggressor. English said that there are many birdies out here. (I) got on board early, putted well on the first hole and was on my way. I played solidly throughout the round.
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English birdied five out of the 11 first holes to take the lead. He also stacked pars on Pars to stop Zalatoris gaining ground and ended the match on the 15th.
“It doesn’t matter,” Kitayama said. “You have to win anyways. Two (points) will give you the opportunity to move on.
After 13 holes Kitayama was trailing by one, but he turned the tables. He won No. 13 was won with an 11-foot birdie par putt to draw even. He also made a 2-foot birdie par putt on No. 14 took the lead and didn’t look back. He won the 17th. He stated that he feels more pressure when trying to make it in regular stroke-play events.
Kitayama stated that there is more pressure to get a cut, as there are many variables you don’t have control over. “In a 1-v-1 situation, you have a bit more control. You can base your decisions on how they hit it.
To make it to group play, all three players have more work ahead of them. Rahm (1-1-1) must defeat Horschel (1-1-1) on Friday, while Fowler (1-1-1) faces Mitchell (0-1-1). Kitayama (1-1), must defeat Tony Finau (20-0), to be in a playoff.
English faces a more difficult path. English (1-1-0), must defeat Adrien Meronk (1-0), and hope Zalatoris (02-0) can ruin Andrew Putnam (2-0-0), perfect run through group play.
