So-called expert golf tips for this week

The so-called experts returned to the winner’s circle last week courtesy of Jin Young Ko, and picked up two other top-10s. Here is who they like on the PGA Tour, which visits Bermuda this week.

PGA TOUR - BUTTERFIELD BERMUDA CHAMPIONSHIP

Brendan James – Golf Australia Editor

There are two high quality South African’s playing in Bermuda this week, and they are both more than capable of leaving the Caribbean with the winner’s cheque and trophy.

Garrick Higgo, already a PGA Tour winner in 2021, and CHRISTIAAN BEZUIDENHOUT will be among the contenders this week. But I like the chances of Bezuidenhout, who is a fine wind player.

He may need all his skills in this area at Port Royal and if the wind is up, I like his chances even more.

Sportsbet odds: $15

JIMMY EMANUEL – Golf Australia Deputy & Digital Editor

This week presents a great chance to up and coming players and veterans alike to claim a PGA Tour win amongst a fairly weak field. And while it is worth keeping an eye on Lucas Herbert after flying his coach over to the States recently, my pick here is MATT FITZPATRICK.

He doesn’t quite fit that young up and comer or veteran category, but he does arrive fresh off a win in Europe around the difficult Valderrama and despite being on the losing side, the Ryder Cup will have given him some confidence.

The layout this week requires shot making and accuracy more than power, should suit the Englishman perfectly.

Sportsbet odds: $11

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

It’s the only event on the international schedule this week but that doesn’t mean a strong field has assembled for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

Former Masters winners Patrick Reed and Danny Willets headline a tournament that will present a good opportunity for some of the game’s lesser lights to shine. There’s no shortage of contenders by that measure but I like the chances of young Japanese star TAKUMI KANAYA.

He’s an exciting prospect looking to capitalise after earning a start courtesy of a T7 result at the ZOZO Championship. Kanaya, the former top ranked amateur in the world, is already a three-time winner on the Japan Tour (once as an amateur) so won’t feel out of his comfort zone in this company and given his current form and confidence could surprise a few come the weekend.

*Kanaya has withdrawn since the time of writing.

Sportsbet odds: $34

Mark Hayes – Man About Golf

Well I for one LOVE the Butterfield. Not because it has any great pedigree as an event, is being played on an awesome course or even has a spectacular field. No, none of that. It's because it gives me a gilt-edged opportunity to rip into Patrick Reed on a vaguely acceptable basis and that's enough of an opportunity for me.

To me, this represents the first chance for Reed to make right with the Sand Gods of the Bermuda Triangle. You'll recall that he took an excavator to the Bahamas in 2019 and then flatly denied ever having anything to do with as big a project as we've seen in the sand since the 2490BC Pyramid Open. So while he'll probably get his share of the spotlight this week, I think he's got to pay penance before he can salute in the famous Triangle.

So with that paltry attempt at humour aside, I think battlefield Korn Ferry promotion winner MITO PEREIRA will open his account at the big dance. He's been prominent in his first few events as a full PGA Tour member and will look down his nose at this glorified KFT field. Plus I just really hope that Reed doesn't win.

Sportsbet odds: $21

2021 RESULTS

So far our so-called experts have combined to tip 26 winners in 2021, with 128 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).