So-called expert golf tips for this week

 

PGA TOUR - VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIP

Brendan James – Golf Australia Editor

Making his first start since T40 at The Masters, Chile’s JOAQUIN NIEMANN will shine this week.

The Copperhead course is well suited to the best players from tee to green, of which the 22-year-old is one. He ranks 14th on the PGA Tour for Strokes Gained: Tee To Green, which puts him in lofty company, and he ranks 8th in Greens In Regulation.

Copperhead is the kind of course where the best putters don’t usually win, whereas the best ball-strikers over four rounds do. To me, that sounds like Niemann.

Sportsbet odds: $36.

JIMMY EMANUEL – Golf Australia Deputy Editor

JASON KOKRAK recorded three top-10s during the recent Florida swing and I am backing him to continue his good form in the Sunshine State this week

Kokrak and Pat Perez shared 21^st last after disappointing final round in the alternate shot format on Sunday, but there was enough positives from the one-time PGA Tour winner to suggest he is a big chance here. Particularly considering he has four top-15 finishes from his last six visits here, one of which was a runner-up to Paul Casey in 2019.

Sportsbet odds: $34.

RELATED: Valspar Championship preview

Michael Jones – Golf Australia writer

Jeez it’s tough to tip against back-to-back champion Paul Casey this week … My money will be on PATRICK REED though.

The 2018 Masters champ has twice finished runner-up on the Copperhead Course (2015 & 2018) and his lethal putter will prove too good this week over the weekend.

Sportsbet odds: $19.

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

It’s been a while since we’ve seen CHARL SCHWARTZEL at his best but as a previous winner here (2016) and following on from a runner-up finish last week he might just be hitting some form.

Recent results haven’t been dazzling but he has made a run of four straight cuts (an improvement on his early season form) and with good memories to draw on at Innisbrook could well keep last week’s form running.

Sportsbet odds: $101.

EURO TOUR - TENERIFE OPEN

Brendan James – Golf Australia Editor

What a performance it was from young South African GARRICK HIGGO to win the Gran Canaria last week. I was really impressed, so much so I think he can make it back-to-back victories.

The course this week in Tenerife is not dissimilar and with his length, and impeccable short game, he should figure prominently in the final result.

Sportsbet odds: $19.

JIMMY EMANUEL – Golf Australia Deputy Editor

I’ve already tipped MAVERICK ANTCLIFF a number of times this year and I am going back to the well with the Queenslander once again this week.

Antcliff was solid last week, just missing a top-20 in the first of three weeks in the Canaries, and another interesting host venue this week should suit the accurate ball striker. If the putts drop early in the week, Antcliff should be right in the mix on Sunday this week.

Sportsbet odds: $101.

RELATED: Tenerife Open preview

Michael Jones – Golf Australia writer

The second leg of the Spanish swing sees the revival of another European Tour event – and I’m hoping it could also signal the revival of ANDREW JOHNSTON.

‘Beef’ hasn’t hit his straps so far this year, having shown some promising signs at the backend of 2020. But the world of golf is a better place when the Englishman is in contention and I wouldn’t put it past him in the Canaries this week.

Sportsbet odds: $56.

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

THORBJORN OLESEN had been flying under the radar since returning from his off course problems in July last year but in his first start for 2021 last week was more than impressive in finishing T5.

A second round 61 suggests he is playing aggressive golf and after an extraordinarily difficult time since being arrested on a London bound flight in 2019, his golf game may just be moving in the right direction. Olesen is a proven winner and with confidence on his side is every chance to be a threat in Tenerife.

Sportsbet odds: $31.

LPGA TOUR - HSBC WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Brendan James – Golf Australia Editor

World No.1 JIN YOUNG KO is yet to record a win in 2021 but has been in the top-10 four times in just five starts.

Her form in previous years in Singapore suggests she will be a factor this week. Two top-10s in as many starts, including a T3 in 2019 when the event was last played, makes me feel confident that she will break her duck for 2021 this week.

Sportsbet odds: $6.50.

JIMMY EMANUEL – Golf Australia Deputy Editor

Not many saw the opening round 78 and missed cut for LYDIA KO last week after her win in Hawaii, me included. But I expect a big bounce back from the Kiwi this week and have a feeling a second win for 2021 is in the cards.

Ko has finished inside the top-15 at this event every year since 2014 and outside her opening round last week is obviously in good form. The rest from missing the cut in LA won’t have hurt either.

Sportsbet odds: $8.

RELATED: HSBC Women's World Championship preview

Michael Jones – Golf Australia writer

Five-time LPGA Tour winner MINJEE LEE hasn’t had her best stuff with her since sharing fifth place at the Kia Classic during her first appearance of the year, failing to finish higher than T25th since. But the West Aussie was runner-up to Sung Hyun Park when this event was last played in 2019 and could easily click back into gear.

I think she’s overs at nearly 30/1.

Sportsbet odds: $29.

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

2021 RESULTS

So far our so-called experts have combined to tip TEN winners in 2021, with 63 of their picks recording top-10 finishes that week and a best return of $61 for Max Homa to win the Genesis Invitational (tipped by Rod Morri).