The International team led by Ernie Els have been heavily supported by our experts. PHOTO: Warren Little/Getty Images.

PRESIDENTS CUP

Brendan James – Golf Australia magazine editor: On paper there is no disputing the strength of the American team. But the Reed scandal distraction, jetlag and the fact they are missing World No. 1, Brooks Koepka, through injury will play a part in levelling the playing field. The Internationals have been going about their business quietly and plenty of intent. Captain Ernie Els has done a wonderful job, thus far, in bonding this multi-national side and motivating them to win. Unlike the last edition, this Cup will be decided by the Sunday singles where the Internationals have a better record than the US in recent times. INTERNATIONALS to win 16.5 to 13.5 with ADAM SCOTT to win 4.5 points out of a possible 5.

Sportsbet Win odds: $3.75.

Jimmy Emanuel – Golf Australia magazine deputy editor : The UNITED STATES team certainly have had a less than ideal preperation after the Patrick Reed incident, but I still see them getting the chocolates at Royal Melbourne. The younger members of the team are desperate to perform well for Tiger Woods, and I see XANDER SCHAUFFELE as the standout player.

Sportsbet Win odds: $1.40.

 

Michael Jones – Golf Australia magazine writer: How good would it have been to be on that flight with the American team as they went into Patrick Reed damage control ... Will captain Woods bench Reed for the first two days? Or will Tiger throw him straight into the deep end against hostile crowds? THE INTERNATIONALS will snatch this in an absolute thriller: 16-14.

Sportsbet Win odds: $3.75.

 

 

Rod Morri – Golf Australia magazine contributor and The Thing About Golf podcast host: INTERNATIONALS - they will be playing against a team divided by the Patrick Reed controversy. Ironically, Reed himself will enjoy the negative spotlight but it’s unlikely his teammates will. Captain Tiger Woods will find it difficult to find partners for the 2018 Masters winner and that will prove costly to the team as a whole.

Sportsbet Win odds: $3.75.

 

 

 
Jazz Janewattanond is rightfully the favourite in Indonesia. PHOTO: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images.

BNI INDONESIAN MASTERS

Brendan James – Golf Australia magazine editor: Really hard to pick anyone other than Asian Tour Order of Merit leader JAZZ JANEWATTANOND, who finished runner-up in this event at this course shooting 20 under. Will crack a million dollars in earnings with a win here.

TAB Win odds: $8.50.

 

 

Jimmy Emanuel – Golf Australia magazine deputy editor : I’m going with the defending champion POOM SAKSANSIN here. The Thai clearly enjoys the Royale Jakarta layout with two wins in three years and I think he either makes it three from four or goes very close in the process.

TAB Win odds: $41.

 

 

 

Michael Jones – Golf Australia magazine writer: JAZZ JANEWATTANANOND finished runner-up at Royale Jakarta last year – and he will be playing with greater freedom after winning the Order of Merit crown last week. The young Thai will record his third Tour title of the season.

TAB Win odds: $8.50.

 

 

Rod Morri – Golf Australia magazine contributor and The Thing About Golf podcast host: There are few familiar names in this field and local golfers always have an advantage but American SMYLIE KAUFMAN took a big step forward with his T21 finish at The Australian Golf Club. Kaufman is a PGA Tour winner which puts him a class above regardless of recent struggles. Victory is likely a stretch but a top five result won’t be beyond him.

TAB Win odds: $101.

 

OUR BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

Brendan James – Golf Australia magazine editor: Two-leg multi: ADAM SCOTT total Presidents Cup points – Over 2.5 ($2.05); JAZZ JANEWATTANOND to win Indonesian Masters ($8.50). Return: $17.42.

 

 

 

 

Jimmy Emanuel – Golf Australia magazine deputy editor : After stirring the pot with his comments on Patrick Reed last week, I am tipping CAMERON SMITH to be one of Ernie Els' key men this week. It is a big ask on debut but the Queenslander at $8.50 to win the most points of the International team seems great value to me.

 

 

 

Michael Jones – Golf Australia magazine writer: PATRICK CANTLAY is paying $5 to be the top debutant at the Presidents Cup this week. The World No.7 might not get the attention of the crowds early in the week, but by Sunday evening he will be one of the week’s top scorers. The 27-year-old was ranked fifth for Strokes Gained: Tee To Green on the PGA Tour last year and was sixth for Strokes Gained: Around The Green.

 

 

Rod Morri – Golf Australia magazine contributor and The Thing About Golf podcast host: JAZZ JANEWATTANOND will finish in the top five. He is a standout Asian Tour performer and history is on his side in this event where he finished runner-up last year. He leads the Asian Tour Order of Merit with two wins and four other top five finishes in 14 starts. It is not going out on a  limb to suggest he will be in the mix come Sunday afternoon.