It took 20 holes, but Rory McIlroy eventually outlasted Billy Horschel to move on to the Round of 16 in the WGC-Cadillac Match Play.
On a day that saw top players such as Jordan Spieth, Henrik Stenson, Jason Day, Justin Rose, Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, Matt Kuchar, Martin Kaymer and Dustin Johnson eliminated, it was imperative for the event to keep McIlroy in its field.
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The event now moves from the group stage (16 groups of four golfers each) to 16 golfers battling it out in single elimination. McIlroy may have the toughest Round of 16 matchup, against Japanese sensation Hideki Matsuyama. Matsuyama dispatched all three members of his group, and tied McIlroy for fourth at Augusta.
Our preview of the Round of 16 matches (World Golf Rankings in parentheses):
Rory McIlroy (1) vs. Hideki Matsuyama (16)
McIlroy comes in as the favorite, but only just. Matsuyama is unflappable and won't feel overwhelmed by playing against the world's No. 1 golfer. Matsuyama went 3-0 in an underrated group, and he has been playing good golf this season. McIlroy is still looking for his first win of the PGA Tour season and will be licking his chops if he can get past Matsuyama.
Prediction: Matsuyama 19 holes.
Paul Casey (37) vs. Charl Schwartzel (38)
This is a very intriguing matchup. Casey is a bulldog in match play and is coming off of an impressive group sweep. Schwartzel made it out of one of the toughest groups and seems to be playing with confidence. Both guys are talented putters who play cerebral golf, so this one could turn into a chess match.
Prediction: Casey 22 holes
Jim Furyk (5) vs. J.B. Holmes (12)
These two couldn't be any more different. Furyk methodically maneuvers his way around the course using accuracy and a great short game to irritate opponents. Holmes hits the ball a country mile and will be playing a different course than his opponent. Even so, Furyk has the experience and should be able to pester Holmes just enough.
Prediction: Furyk 2&1
Rickie Fowler (13) vs. Louis Oosthuizen (30)
You can throw away the rankings in this matchup, because Oosthuizen is a top 10 player when healthy. Fowler has been excited about his game over the past two months, but putting has put a damper on his scoring. Both players managed convincing group sweeps. This one will come down to the final hole.
Prediction: Oosthuizen 1 up
Hunter Mahan (32) vs. John Senden (65)
Senden benefited from a still-unhealthy Stenson and poor putting from the other two members of his group. Mahan blew through his group with ease, where Matt Kuchar was the only real threat. Senden is a great ball striker, but Mahan looks like he's on a mission.
Prediction: Mahan 3&2
Gary Woodland (52) vs. Marc Leishman (60)
Two of the bigger surprises coming out of the group stage square off in what should be a fun battle. Woodland is a power hitter and streaky putter who looks like a world beater at times. Leishman is back on the course after his wife suffered a health scare in April, and is playing inspired golf.
Prediction: Woodland 2&1
Branden Grace (39) vs. Tommy Fleetwood (57)
Grace has three worldwide wins since December and is quietly becoming a force in big events. Fleetwood plays exclusively on the European Tour, but anyone who has seen him play knows the talent is there.
Prediction: Grace 19 holes
Lee Westwood (27) vs. Danny Willitt (49)
Westwood played the part of giant killer knocking out Spieth on Friday. The Englishman has been relatively quiet in 2015, but he did win last week on the Asian Tour. Willitt might become the breakout player of the season. He hits it far, controls his irons and is solid around the greens.
Prediction: Willitt 3&2