Easy Tiger?
Last updated: 18th February 2008
Pugh: wary of Woods
If you look at the stats for Tiger he's won 83 per cent of his matches, so although it's easier to beat him, it's still not easy.
Denis Pugh
Quotes of the week
WGC Accenture World Match Play
Wednesday February 20
To
Sunday February 24
Live on Sky Sports
Available in High Definition
The WGC-Accenture Match Play hits Sky Sports this week and, as usual, all eyes will be on Tiger Woods.
The world number one will be the man to beat at the Gallery Golf Club in Arizona but the nature of match play golf means he isn't quite as hot a favourite as he usually is.
In 2007, this was the only WGC event he failed to win, leading some to suggest that this format doesn't suit him, even though he won the title in both 2003 and 2004.
But Jamie Spence told Golf Night, the match play format at least gives other players a chance.
He said: "I think every format suits Tiger to be honest with you. I would be very nervous playing with Tiger in a stroke play event because you can be pretty sure he's going to beat you.
"In a match play over 18 holes I'd love to play him. You can only win really and he's a bit vulnerable over 18 holes, as any body is.
"But even so he's won it twice, he's won more matches than anybody in this Accenture Match Play and he's still the man to beat."
Denis Pugh agreed that it was easier to beat Woods in this format, but insisted it was never easy to take on the American.
He said: "It's easier to beat him over one round. Peter O'Malley beat him in this event a few years back. He said there's no way he would have beaten him over four rounds on this golf course, but on his day he could.
Stand up
"If you look at the stats for Tiger he's won 83 per cent of his matches, so although it's easier to beat him, it's still not easy.
"You've got to stand up on the tee and you're going to play the best player in the world on a big golf course. But you've got to believe over one round you've got more of a chance. But I wouldn't be putting my money on myself."
Colin Montgomerie's progress will also be of interest in Arizona and the Scot faces a tough first-round match against Jim Furyk.
But Denis feels Monty has a chance, saying: "His game's in good shape. He always says if he putts well he's got a chance, but he's saying he's going to go there with his Ryder Cup brain.
"That means he's going to hit his putts a little harder. Match play is easier for Colin because it's a do-or-die situation and he's good at those.
"I think Jim Furyk is a player he respects, but he's beat him before and he can again."
Jamie was also pleased to see that fourth seed Ernie Els has re-submitted himself into the event and said the South African would be in his dream final.
Jamie added: "I think it's a good thing, I think he's got to play. You can't be that high up in the world rankings and miss one of these events.
"Wouldn't it be great to see Ernie play Tiger in the final on Sunday? That's the final we all want to see."
Watch the video above to see Tim Barter's guide to the course in Arizona.
- Video
