IT’S TEXAS SCRAMBLE FOR ROSE
Wonder shot can’t save Briton
JUSTIN ROSE lost a “real pillow fight” with Adam Scott at the WGC Dell Technologies Match Play in Texas despite holing a wedge shot from 98 yards on the 17th.
Trailing by one hole, the former Ryder Cup star produced the moment of magic from the drop zone at the par-three hole after pulling his tee shot into a ravine.
But Scott also made a three in windy conditions at the Austin Country Club.
The Australian then dumped his chip into a greenside bunker at the last, before splashing out to four feet while Rose bogeyed the 18th to lose by two holes.
Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, said: “It was a real pillow fight between Justin and I.
“We gave each other a lot of holes, certainly nothing for me to brag about.
“I know it was pretty ugly off 18 as well. But I’m happy to squeak out a point and kind of keep my hopes alive for the next couple of days.”
Rose must now beat two more Major champions – Texan Jordan Spieth, above, and Keegan Bradley – to have any chance of getting out of a tough Group 11 and into the knockout stages this weekend.
World No.15 Spieth found some form to beat fellow American Bradley two-up. The three-time
Major winner, who missed the cut in his last appearance at The Players, said: “I felt as if it was the start to the season in a way.
“I felt jittery and like I was going to have to really knock some rust off, which shouldn’t be the case even though it’s mid-March.
“I didn’t lead until 16 and once I won 16, then I felt in control there briefly.
“I am very pleased. If you lose your first match, you don’t control anything going forward.” World No.2 Collin Morikawa beat Bob MacIntyre 2&1 while No.53 seed Luke List caused the biggest early shock when he beat Justin Thomas 3&2.
Maverick McNealy, who claimed the last place in the field on Monday after Valspar Championship winner Sam Burns withdrew, thrashed Joaquin Niemann 8&6.
Paul Casey, twice a runner-up in this event, pulled out of his match with Corey Connors after two holes because he was suffering with back spasms.
Rory McIlroy is not playing in the event. He has opted to tee up at the Valero Texas Open next week in his final preparation for The Masters.
The first Major of the season starts on April 7.