Rejoice! Austin Country Club May Favor No One In Particular
/I can't spot an obvious design bias after getting reacquainted with Austin Country Club. The inward nine features three par-5s that will allow the bombers to attack, but also features some par-4s and 3's that will reward the patient precisionist. And the impeccable putting surfaces look to be about 12 feet and have no shortage of contour, aiding the creative minds at this week's WGC Dell Match Play.
Throw in the matter that the event starts on a Wednesday at a course that only really Jordan Spieth has played extensively, and there seems to be no obvious bias. Phil Mickelson admitted to be a little behind in his course knowledge preparation (Ryan Lavner writes for GolfChannel.com), which is probably a view shared by most of the players and caddies.
All of this is why I revised my bracket tonight and backed down off of my Rory McIlroy win selection. Of course, as Jim McCabe presents at Golfweek.com, unpredictability is the essence of this event.
Not that McIlroy can't dominate the course or handle the greens. It's the wind. The course was exposed to a healthy breeze today and much more is in the forecast. And as much as I love McIlroy in match play making 7-8 birdies a round, I don't love him in strong winds on a short, tight Pete Dye course (yes he won at Kiawah, but he could hit driver there...ACC looks like a 4-5 drives per round course).
Spieth's vaulted into my top spot based on his local knowledge, good karma after suggesting he might turn to reading things printed on paper over social media, clearing the air with his caddie, and his love of match play.
BTW, if you haven't filled out a bracket in our league, you still have time!
A few images from the course this afternoon:
