A goat has predicted the winner of the WGC-Dell Matchplay – and he just might be right

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Who did Divot the Goat back to win the WGC? Rory beat Gary Woodland in last year's final

Who did Divot the Goat back to win the WGC?

Ever since Paul the Octopus (RIP) proved surprisingly successful at predicting football results, other animals have been stepping up to the plate. 

A clairvoyant manatee named Buffett correctly predicted the Superbowl winner six years on the trot, a small-clawed otter had some success during Euro 2012, a Brazilian sea turtle backed his home nation to do well in the 2014 World Cup, and even panda Ying Mei got in on the act. 

And now, thanks to the PGA Tour YouTube channel, golf has its own animal augur, in the shape of Divot the Goat. 

First, Divot had to select the group from which the winner will emerge. Of the 16 four-man groups, Divot opted for Group 3, containing Rory McIlroy, Kevin Na, Smylie Kaufman and Thorbjorn Oleson. 

Divot was then tasked with selecting the outright winner from those four players. Clearly not one to go out on a limb, he went straight for world number three and defending champion Rory McIlroy.  

McIlroy has had mixed fortunes on the course of late, alternating scintilating mid-60s rounds with mid-70s horror shows caused by too many destructive doubles.  

McIlroy beat Gary Woodland in last year's final

“I’m playing perfect golf for the event, given I can only lose a hole for each double bogey, and I’m making bags of birdies,” said McIlroy. 

Maybe Divot the Goat isn’t such a silly billy after all…

Do you think Divot’s prediction will come true? 

NEXT: Does it matter what golf ball you use? 

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