PGA TOUR - FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN

Brendan James – Golf Australia Editor

His record speaks for itself … eight wins on this course, including a US Open … there is no question who I’m tipping. TIGER WOODS. He’ll break Sam Snead’s 82 win record at his first attempt.

 

Rod Morri – Golf Australia magazine contributor and The Thing About Golf podcast host

It would be hard to forget the outrageous eagle putt JON RAHM made at the last here to win his first Tour title back in 2017 and the course has proved to his liking since. A poor weekend in 2018 and a fifth place finish last year says he will be somewhere near the business end of the leaderboard Sunday afternoon.

EUROPEAN TOUR - OMEGA DESERT CLASSIC

Brendan James – Golf Australia Editor

At 46, I suspect LEE WESTWOOD has had a new lease on life and his game. He was the consummate professional in getting the job done last week in Abu Dhabi and I reckon he will have back-to-back wins.

 

Rod Morri – Golf Australia magazine contributor and The Thing About Golf podcast host

I know I’m right out on the end of a limb here after TOMMY FLEETWOOD finished second last week, but the Englishman has become one of the most consistent players in world golf. While his record at Dubai is not as good as might be expected (best finish T6 two years ago and only one other top 10 in eight starts) he is dangerous every week and with his confidence high will be the man to beat in the desert.

LPGA - GAINBRIDGE LPGA

Brendan James – Golf Australia Editor

I get the sense former World No 1 ARIYA JUTANUGARN is going to have a good 2020 and it might all start in Florida this week. She has lots of top-10s banked since last winning on the LPGA Tour in July 2018, so if she can put herself in contention she just needs to push for the win.

Rod Morri – Golf Australia magazine contributor and The Thing About Golf podcast host

LEONA MAGUIRE is a name that will be vaguely familiar to most and it is, admittedly, brave (or foolish) to opt for a Tour rookie in their first start. However, this young Irish player is super talented and all indications are that a great career awaits. Having seen Maguire first hand in Australia last year she has all the game required to be among the best the world and it is possible that journey could start here.

OUR BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

Rod Morri – Golf Australia magazine contributor and The Thing About Golf podcast host

RORY MCILROY to finish top five at Torrey Pines. Because he’s Rory.

Tabsports odds: $2.20 

Brendan James – Golf Australia Editor

I like the chances of young Sydney pro, and Aussie Open champ, CAMERON DAVIS to finish top-10, which at juicy odds.

 Tabsports odds: $13.