Golf fans are in for another two-course treat as the PGA and European Tours continue later this week with the Saudi International and Phoenix Open both teeing off in time for the weekend.
Just two weeks ago, Steve Palmer landed two huge winners in the Abu Dhabi Championship and the American Express, when he correctly identified Si Woo Kim at 55/1 and Tyrrell Hatton at 12/1 as tournament champs.
Can Steve put his unrivalled predictive powers to good use again this week as attentions turn to Saudi Arabia and Scottsdale?
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Saudi International predictions and betting tips
American raiders dominate the betting for the third edition of the Saudi International – top-class operators lured to the Middle East through healthy appearance fees – and punters must decide which of the Stars and Stripes representatives will perform best.
Bryson DeChambeau, who finished sixth in his only previous Saudi International start, has been a popular selection, while Patrick Reed, who won the Farmers Insurance Open by five shots on Sunday, is also being backed to secure back-to-back triumphs. By far the most appealing option, though, is the favourite – Dustin Johnson.
Saudi International course guide and where to watch
Course: Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia
Par: 70
Field: 138
Where to watch: Live on Sky Sports Golf from 8am Thursday
Saudi International winner prediction: Dustin Johnson at 5/1
The world number one has finished first and second in this event, romping to a 19-under-par total in 2019, then making a stout title defence 12 months later. Johnson, who has become a FedEx Cup champion and a Masters victor since his last trip to Saudi Arabia, should rip the Royal Greens course to shreds again if he applies himself properly and the short prices against his name seem perfectly justified.
Johnson carded a second-round 61 on his way to victory two years ago and the layout is ideal for him to show off two of his main strengths – his driving and his wedge-play. He got the Christmas rust out of his system with 11th place in the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii and should be sharper for Saudi Arabia.
Saudi International outsider prediction: Lucas Herbert at 66/1 (each way)
An each-way alternative at a much bigger price is ever improving Australian youngster, Lucas Herbert, who won the Dubai Desert Classic last season.
The powerhouse clearly relishes desert golf and he finished 27th on his Royal Greens debut last year. Two solid spins in Abu Dhabi and Dubai suggest Herbert may be peaking for Saudi Arabia – and he could take advantage if the big-name Yanks fail to bring their best to the party.
Phoenix Open predictions and betting tips
Rory McIlroy makes his debut in the Phoenix Open this week, but the Northern Irishman will not be getting to experience the noise which typically accompanies this tournament. Usually around 200,000 spectators cram into TPC Scottsdale and create an incredible atmosphere – the Phoenix Open is renowned as the biggest party on the golf circuit – but in these Covid times only 5,000 fans per day will be allowed through the gates.
McIlroy, probably still smarting from the Abu Dhabi beating he took at the hands of Tyrrell Hatton, may need time to adjust to the unfamiliar surroundings. The course suits him, but others who tee up there every year can hit the ground running and leave McIlroy behind.
Phoenix Open course guide and where to watch
Course: TPC Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona
Par: 71
Field: 132
Where to watch: Live on Sky Sports Main Event and Golf from 2.30pm Thursday
Phoenix Open winner prediction: Jon Rahm at 13/2
Justin Thomas has finished third in the Phoenix Open the last two years, but the world number three putted abysmally on his way to missing the cut in the Abu Dhabi Championship last time out. It has been an unhappy start to 2021 for Thomas, dropped by one of his main sponsors after he made some controversial comments during the Sentry Tournament of Champions, and Jon Rahm is by far the most appealing of the Phoenix market principals.
Rahm lives in Scottsdale, so knows this course like the back of his hand from regular practice rounds there, and his Phoenix Open record is rock-solid. Rahm has finished in the top 20 in each of his previous five appearances in this event – and this could be the moment he makes the transition from contender to champion. Rahm, seventh in the Farmers Insurance Open on Sunday, may have found his A-game at an opportune time.
Phoenix Open outsider prediction: Matt Jones at 125/1 (each way)
An alternative at an enormous price is another Scottsdale resident – Matt Jones. The 40-year-old Australian has shown some bright form over the last four months and could make local knowledge count.
Steve Palmer’s 44/1 Saudi International & Phoenix Open double
This week’s tournaments provide an attractive opportunity for punters who like to have an outright double. The two favourites appear strong options, including Dustin Johnson, the planet’s premier player in Saudi Arabia.
Jon Rahm can deliver the second leg of the double by winning the Phoenix Open in his adopted home state of Arizona. The Spaniard appears to have quickly adjusted to his new Callaway clubs.
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