The PGA Tour moves to California this week, Europe's best head to the desert, Singapore welcomes the Asian and Japan Tours and the LPGA season kicks off in Florida. See who our so-called experts fancy. Plus, their best bets of the week.
THE AMERICAN EXPRESS
Jimmy Emanuel – Golf Australia magazine deputy editor : It is a good time to be an Aussie golfer and I am hoping the streak continues this week in California. GREG CHALMERS is still very much on the comeback trail from major injuries, however the left showed enough for me over the Australian summer to think he is a chance. Chalmers is one of the best putters on the planet and has been working hard with coach Bradley Hughes this week, who has a knack of producing PGA Tour wins for his players
Sportsbet Win odds: $326.
Rod Morri – Golf Australia magazine contributor and The Thing About Golf podcast host: Second appearance since the Presidents Cup where this correspondent was among those drinking the SUNGJAE IM Kool Aid. Vowed that week to pick him at the first available opportunity and, after looking past him last week, here we are with the next available opportunity so he is my pick.
Sportsbet Win odds: $17.
ABU DHABI HSBC CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY EGA
Jimmy Emanuel – Golf Australia magazine deputy editor : LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN was my European Tour tip last week and I am staying with him here. Oosthuizen's recent run of form has been exemplary, finishing runner-up in South Africa last week and at the Aussie Open in December, and he has a solid track record here, including a top-5 last year. Has to win something soon!
Sportsbet Win odds: $17.
Rod Morri – Golf Australia magazine contributor and The Thing About Golf podcast host: THOMAS PIETERS is a volatile player and history says he either finishes top five or misses the cut at this tournament. I’m going with top five this week and if he can get that close there is nothing stopping him from winning it.
Sportsbet Win odds: $29.
SMBC SINGAPORE OPEN
Jimmy Emanuel – Golf Australia magazine deputy editor : It is tempting to double down on Jazz Janewattananond here, but JUSTIN ROSE's comments during a press conference earlier this week have won me over. Rose says he found something with his swing late last year and has been pracitcing and playing more than normal over the Christmas/New Year break. Expect a top-5 at a minimum from him here.
Sportsbet Win odds: $6.50.
Rod Morri – Golf Australia magazine contributor and The Thing About Golf podcast host: DAVID GLEESON is a former Australian Amateur winner who is yet to live up to lofty expectations in the aftermath of that victory. However, has shown vastly improved form in recent months including a top 10 last week in Hong Kong and will be a good chance to keep that run going this week
Sportsbet Win odds: $251.
DIAMOND RESORTS TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS PRESENTED BY IOA
Jimmy Emanuel – Golf Australia magazine deputy editor : As a big Nelly Korda fan it is very hard to look past her this week, but my money is on DANIELLE KANG. Kang finished on the podium in her last three starts of 2019 and seems to be growing in confidence as she cements her place as one of the top players in the ladies game.
Sportsbet Win odds: $8.
Rod Morri – Golf Australia magazine contributor and The Thing About Golf podcast host: NELLY KORDA’s looked the best player in the world for the past few months and while being such a small field (26 players) makes it somewhat a lottery Nelly has as good a chance as anyone.
Sportsbet Win odds: $5.5.
OUR BEST BETS OF THE WEEK
Jimmy Emanuel – Golf Australia magazine deputy editor : DANNY WILLETT paying $10 to be the top Englishman in Abu Dhabi is great odds for mine. Sure Tommy Fleetwood is in the field, but Willett has rediscovered his game of late and has two previous wins in the desert.
Rod Morri – Golf Australia magazine contributor and The Thing About Golf podcast host: TRAVIS SMYTH top 10 in Singapore. Was among the picks last week and acquitted himself well with a T13 result. Continues to steadily improve and after a good result at this event last year (T24) will be comfortable heading to the first tee Thursday.
Related Articles
So-called expert golf tips for this week
So-called expert golf tips for this week
