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The WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play Championship has thrown up some memorable moments down the years.

From Tiger Woods battering Stephen Ames 9&8 after the latter had confidently predicted he could beat the then world No.1 “especially where he’s hitting the ball” to Sergio Garcia conceding a 17-foot par putt to Rickie Fowler, this particular World Golf Championship has rarely been dull.

However, perhaps the most unforgettable incident occurred in the 2015 event at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.

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Contesting a dead-rubber, having both already been eliminated, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Keegan Bradley went toe-to-toe – and very nearly nose-to-nose after a heated exchange on the final hole of their match.

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After taking relief from a temporary immovable obstruction, Bradley still didn’t have a clear swing and so had to re-drop.

At this point, Jimenez decided to intervene, much to the annoyance of Bradley and his caddie, Steve “Pepsi” Hale.

Here’s how it all went down…

Jimenez, who had been leading one-up at the time, went on to win the hole to seal a two-up victory.

Afterwards, he described it as “a little discussion but it is done”.

Bradley was much more forthcoming.

“I felt like he was being very disrespectful to me – not only me, but my caddie,” the 2011 US PGA champion said. “I felt like I had to stand up for my boy here. Me and Pepsi have been through a lot.

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“I have nothing but respect for [Miguel]. He’s a great. But I have to be able to stick up for myself when I feel something is wrong.”

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After the dust had settled, Bradley admitted he had fallen hook, line and sinker for a piece of Jimenez gamesmanship.

“To be honest with you I got schooled by a great gamer, I let him get under my skin,” he said. “I was trying to get a ruling on 18 and I kind of fell for his distraction. Honestly, it’s genius on his part.”


author headshot

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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