There’s been a lot written and said about my record in this event, so it’s nice to sit here this morning and reflect on a pretty good week at the WGC – Accenture Matchplay. It is definitely one of those tournaments where I’ve taken away a lot of really positive vibes.
Matchplay is such a unique challenge and obviously I have a lot of experience in this format. Sometimes you’ll be trading birdies and eagles, other times it’s a bit scrappy, but either way there are always little key moments in matches where you can seize the momentum or produce a shot at just the right time to apply some pressure. That’s where I was really strong last week. Well, that and my clutch putting.
In my first match out against Stephen Gallacher I was two down with three to play, but I stayed patient, didn’t panic, and saved some of my best shots for that final stretch. He hit a good putt for the match on 18, and somehow it stayed out, and I think that really bothered him. A par was then enough for me to win on the first extra hole. It was a disappointing end for Stephen and I felt for him, but we’ve all been there.
My next match with Justin Rose was a similar type of game. Neither of us was at our best, but we both started playing a bit better when the chips were down and then at key moments I was able to produce something special, making birdie on the first extra hole and then another birdie on the 20th thanks to that pitch shot from the slope of the bunker. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime shots, to be honest.
The next day, having been two down against Jason Dufner, it all came down to the final hole. We were all square and this time I hit one of my best second shots of the week to set-up a simple birdie there and happily stop a third consecutive match going into overtime.
That’s what I’m talking about with matchplay – you battle for four or five hours and it all comes down to one shot, one little moment. You’ve got to love that about matchplay, although of course it hurts when you’re on the receiving end.
Against Jordan Spieth in the next round my game still wasn’t perfect, but at the same time I could see Jordan was getting a little frustrated at not playing his best golf either. Again, I think that’s where my experience helped get me through. It was also nice not having to go extra holes again as a few holes here and there makes a big difference to preserving your energy levels as you go through the week.
So obviously I was elated to make it into Sunday’s semi-final, but then disappointed to let slip a great chance to make the final. Whereas in the previous rounds I’d been able to apply some pressure, in this match I did the opposite and left the door open around the turn. Still, you have to give Victor credit. He was in a lot of trouble early on in the round, but he made quite a few birdies in the middle there and in the end he deserved to win.
Then in the consolation match against Rickie Fowler, we both made some birdies and we each had our chances – he just got it done when he had to, like I did in those early rounds. That’s what matchplay is all about – just finding a way to win, somehow.
Anyway, as I said before, I really enjoyed the week and I’m really excited about this year ahead and am feeling good physically. I’m feeling better about my putting than I have done in quite a while. I had a good weekend on the greens at Riviera and then all through Accenture week I made a lot of clutch putts coming down the stretch and in extra holes, which is the best possible proof that the hard work is paying off.
I have a gap in my schedule this week. Normally I’d play the Honda Classic, which is a great tournament and one that I’ve won before and have always enjoyed playing in. It’s a shame to miss it, but I have to be sensible now and listen to what my body is telling me. After a long week in Arizona, where I played a total of 110 holes in five days, a week at home will give me an opportunity to properly prepare for the WGC Cadillac Championship at Doral and then the run-up to the Masters.
It’s all about giving myself the best chance of staying fresh and playing my best golf every time I tee it up. Of course, I wish everyone well at the Honda – I’m sure it’ll be another great tournament and I’ll certainly be catching some of the action on television.
Just a couple more things before I go and hit some balls this morning. My team told me that Jim Nantz mentioned Ernie Els Wines during his broadcast for CBS, saying I was “putting like a good bottle from the Ernie Els Winery”, so I have to thank him for that. Maybe we’ll send him a nice bottle of red! If you’d like to enjoy some of the wines from the Ernie Els Wines portfolio, please visit the website to find the best place to buy the wine in your country.
Finally, I just want to say thanks to everyone out there who took the time to tweet or message me. The support on Twitter and Facebook was amazing and your kind words are much appreciated.
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