[dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\nOnly three par 5s including the 18th (which may not be played in a number of matches) will be on the slate this week – par 4 scoring average will matter more this week than most others. But perhaps the biggest X-factor to look at this week is recent history in Match-Play format.<\/p>\n
With that in mind, here is a breakdown of the players to keep an eye on – I will try to make it two in a row after pegging Justin Rose at 10\/1 odds last week.<\/p>\n
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2015 WGC-Cadillac Match Play Championship Favorites:<\/h3>\n
Jordan Spieth \u2014 9\/1<\/strong><\/p>\nAnd why not? Spieth has done everything else this year and he did go 3-1 in his only appearance in this event last year. He has fallen off his crazy pace the last couple of tournament but nothing this kid does would be a surprise.<\/p>\n
Rory McIlroy \u2014 9\/1<\/strong><\/p>\nIs in one of his patented down periods right now \u2013 he seems to be getting back to form but he isn\u2019t quite there yet. He\u2019s still Rory and deserves a mention here.<\/p>\n
Jason Day \u2014 14\/1<\/strong><\/p>\nDefending champion \u2013 obviously the Match-Play format suits him very well. He wasn\u2019t great at the Masters but rediscovered his form last week in Louisiana. Day could be peeking at the right time for a repeat.<\/p>\n
2015 WGC-Cadillac Match Play Championship Contenders:<\/h3>\n
Patrick Reed \u2014 25\/1<\/strong><\/p>\nNot a fan? Me neither but you can\u2019t doubt this guy\u2019s abilities. He has excelled in this format as a pro and an amateur \u2013 his ego and his skills should do well this week. Reed was America\u2019s best player at the Ryder Cup \u2013 expect him to contend here this week as well.<\/p>\n
Ian Poulter \u2014 33\/1<\/strong><\/p>\n2010 Champ has surprisingly had his issues at this event recently but enters playing some good golf. He always seems to get up for the big events though \u2013 his recent Ryder Cup appearances are further proof of that. <\/p>\n
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He\u2019s 6th in Par 4 Scoring Average on TOUR \u2013 perfect for this track and he has seen this course before. Watch out for Poulter this week \u2013 he has something to prove.<\/p>\n
Paul Casey \u2014 33\/1<\/strong><\/p>\nHas two runner-up finishes in this event and enters this year playing some of his best golf in years. Confidence and experience in this format will definitely help Casey out this week \u2013 his calm demeanor will also be an asset.<\/p>\n
2015 WGC-Cadillac Match Play Championship Sleepers (50\/1or higher):<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nBrandt Snedeker \u2014 50\/1<\/strong><\/p>\nHas a little bit to prove considering his unimpressive season so far. His record is under .500 in this event but he arrives with a bit of confidence and a hot putter. Snedeker is sneaking under the radar a bit \u2013 a good spot for him.<\/p>\n
Hunter Mahan \u2014 50\/1<\/strong><\/p>\nMahan owns a win and a runner-up finish at this event and is coming off a top 10 at the Masters. He is always a threat in Match-Play \u2013 this year he enters in good form \u2013 worthy of true sleeper status.<\/p>\n
2015 WGC-Cadillac Match Play Championship Picks:<\/h3>\n
It is difficult to come up with a winner for this event \u2013 always has but one golfer stands out to me. Ian Poulter at 33\/1<\/strong> is the pick. His recent play has been solid and his success in match-play is too hard to overlook. He won the European Tour’s Volvo match-play event, he won this event in 2010 and he has gone 12-4-2 in recent Ryder Cup appearances. Poulter has a tough group but I like his chances to provide a nice payday this week.<\/p>\nThe sleeper is Hunter Mahan at 50\/1<\/strong> who has rested since a T9 at the Masters. In the grind of a Match-Play event I like a well rested Mahan to continue his impressive showings in this format.<\/p>\n