Match Play Bracket Notes, GeoffShackelford.com League

The first ever WGC Match Play live draw turned out to be more fun than anticipated, especially when the first group selected was a doozy, followed by plenty more appearling pods. (There were some expected downers too, but not as many as feared.)

Stephen Hennessey with the nine matches he's most excited about Wednesday-Friday.

For those entering the free Dell bracket challenge at PGATour.com (GeoffShackelford.com league here), Golfweek's Jim McCabe has some important notes on telling match play records and player history at Harding.

Check out these records in match play:

• Hunter Mahan may not shine in the majors, but he’s 17-7 in the Match Play and that includes a championship.

• Henrik Stenson has made it to the final twice and his overall mark of 13-7 includes one championship.
• Defending champion Jason Day boasts a 14-4 overall record.

• Before he fell from WGC status, Paul Casey had proven quite good at this match-play stuff; though he lost two trips to the final, he is is 16-9 overall.

Rex Hoggard on the various pods and notes this on arguably the toughest group.

Similarly, Jimmy Walker drew match-play magician Ian Poulter, who won this event in 2010, long-hitting Gary Woodland and Webb Simpson in Group 11.

“It’s match play and you have to learn to expect the unexpected,” said Walker, who played Poulter in a four-ball match in last year’s Ryder Cup. “It’s going to be fun.”

FYI for those liking Rory to advance late Saturday to Sunday morning's semi-finals, he's got tickets to the big fight Saturday night. He won't be getting much sleep. Ashley Clements reports for the Daily Mail.

Here are the groups with notes from PGATour.com.

And here is a league I've set up with my bracket posted. Join us! I'm working on a prize now. Don't get your hopes up.