After U.S. Open struggles, Baddeley gets another shot at Tiger Woods in WGC Match Play

The last time Aaron Baddeley squared off versus Tiger Woods it was in the final round of last year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont.

Reporting from Oakmont and having spoken with Baddeley several times during the week, I predicted his cool, even-keeled mindset would bode well:

“Tiger is the favorite of course, but don’t expect Baddeley to roll over tomorrow. The trophy may stay down under.”

Prophetic, I know. Badds tripled the first hole and never looked comfortable on his way to an 80. He slid from first place at the beginning of Sunday to out of the top ten. Apparently there is a huge difference between having quiet faith and being able to handle major championship Sunday.

Well, Baddeley will get another shot to dethrone Tiger tomorrow in the WGC Accenture Match Play. Can the scrambler, who had the day off today after his opponent withdrew, put together a better performance? Though beating Tiger is easier in one day of match play versus Sunday in a major, I don’t think I’m drinking the Aussie Kool-Aid this time. I expect a 3 and 2 victory for Tiger.

Remember to check in with Chris Baldwin’s blog and live reporting from the World Golf Championships all week at WorldGolf.com