Johnson, Reed commit to Dell Technologies Match Play
Tournament announces free admission to military
(Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
Austin, Texas – With the start of the 2017 World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play approximately one month away, key player commitments have begun with many of the hottest players on the PGA TOUR signed up, including newly crowned world No. 1 Dustin Johnson and match-play star Patrick Reed are all set to make their return to Austin Country Club March 22-26.
A week after his third-place showing at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Johnson parlayed a five-stroke lead beginning the final round of the Genesis Open into a victory of the same amount with his even-par 71. The win, his 13th on the PGA TOUR, gives him at least one victory in each of his first 10 seasons on the PGA TOUR – a feat matched only by Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Johnson has won the other three World Golf Championships events with victories at the 2014 HSBC Champions, the 2015 Cadillac Championship and the 2017 Bridgestone Invitational. A victory at the Dell Technologies Match Play would place Johnson as the only player with victories in all four World Golf Championships events.
With his win at the Genesis Open, Johnson overtook the No. 1 spot in the Official World Golf Ranking from Jason Day, making him the 20th different player to achieve World No. 1 status.
Reed, who won the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship in 2014, has proven to be one of the best match-play player on the PGA TOUR, starring for the U.S. Ryder Cup Team in its victory last year. Reed has a career 6-1-2 record in two Ryder Cup appearances. Reed was also part of the victorious 2015 U.S. Presidents Cup Team. Reed has a 6-3 record in three previous appearances at the Dell Technologies Match Play. He coasted through the group play round last year with victories over Daniel Berger, Matthew Fitzpatrick and Phil Mickelson before losing to Dustin Johnson, 3-and-2, in the round of 16.
“The World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play annually hosts the top players from around the world with the best of the best coming to Austin Country Club,” said Executive Director Jordan Uppleger. “Dustin Johnson has risen to the top of the game picking up right where he left off as PGA TOUR Player of the Year in 2016 with his victory at the Genesis Open. Who can forget Patrick Reed’s memorable singles match against Rory McIlroy in November? He will undoubtedly bring the same level of passion and energy to his home state again for our event in March.”
Tournament officials also announced that the Dell Technologies Match Play will again provide complimentary tickets to active duty and reserve military members plus one dependent. As part of their experience on site, military ticket holders will have access to the Birdies for the Brave® Patriots’ Outpost presented by United Rentals -- a complimentary hospitality chalet open to all military members and their families located at the 7th tee.
Military tickets will be available at Camp Mabry, Fort Sam Houston and Fort Hood and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For Camp Mabry, please visit the Texas Military Department State Family Programs Office located at the Soldier and Airman Support Center, Building 34, Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas. Pick up at Fort Sam Houston will be located at Lackland, Randolph and Fort Sam Houston ITT Ticket offices. For Fort Hood, please visit the USO Admin Office located at Building 44, 50th Street, Fort Hood, Texas.
“We are proud to do our small part to say thanks to the men and women in uniform and their family members for their dedication and sacrifice for our country,” Uppleger said. “The PGA TOUR and Birdies for the Brave have a long tradition of supporting the U.S. Armed Forces. We are happy to carry on that tradition at the Dell Technologies Match Play.”
In addition, the tournament will provide complimentary access to children 18 years old and younger all week long when accompanied by an adult (one complimentary child’s ticket per adult).
The Dell Technologies Match Play has generated more than $16 million for charity since its inception, part of the nearly $60 million raised for global charities since the advent of the World Golf Championships in 1999. For more information, follow the tournament’s social pages: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.worldgolfchampionships.com.