Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell have both been drawn against current major champions in the WGC-Dell Match Play in Texas.
The 64-man tournament is in the second year of its new format which has reverted from the old knockout format. Each player has been guaranteed three matches, with the winner from each group advancing to the Round of 16.
Shane Lowry has been drawn against the current Open Champion Zach Johnson, along with two-time major winner Martin Kaymer and Marcus Fraser. A good week for the Offaly native in Texas could have major ramifications for Lowry's Ryder Cup hopes.
Group 14
• Zach Johnson
• Shane Lowry
• Martin Kaymer
• Marcus Fraser pic.twitter.com/VZBmPzVmHW— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 21, 2016
Graeme McDowell is the 62nd seed (out of 64 players) in the tournament. The former US Open winner has been drawn against USPGA Champion Jason Day who won as recently as last week in Florida at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Paul Casey and Thongchai Jaidee complete the group.
Group 2
• Jason Day
• Paul Casey
• Thongchai Jaidee
• Graeme McDowell pic.twitter.com/eOC9Rr7czi— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 22, 2016
Reigning champion Rory McIlroy has been drawn against two Americans in Kevin Na and Smylie Kaufman. Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen completes the group. The World Number Three won all seven matches last year on the way to the trophy.
Group 3
• Rory McIlroy
• Kevin Na
• Smylie Kaufman
• Thorbjorn Olesen pic.twitter.com/A65eKrJq0P— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 21, 2016
The tournament begins on Wednesday afternoon, with the semi-finals and final taking place on Sunday at the Austin Country Club.
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