Steve Palmer's Saudi International predictions and free golf betting tips

Where to watch

Live on Viaplay Sports from 8am, Thursday

Best bets

Lucas Herbert
3pts each-way 22-1 BoyleSports
Matthew Wolff
2pts each-way 25-1 general

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The Saudi International has become the Asian Tour's signature event, providing a perfect place for those on the LIV Golf circuit to warm up for the start of the 2023 LIV Golf season, which begins in Mexico on February 24. 

The Saudi International is a 126-man gathering at Royal Greens, a 7,048-yard, par-70 which has hosted the event since 2019. The course also staged LIV Golf Jeddah in October last year. The tournament starts at 4.20am UK and Ireland time on Thursday.

Steve Palmer's top tip

Lucas Herbert 22-1

Punters are playing a guessing game with regards to the form of many in this week's line-up. The last LIV Golf event was in October, so it is difficult to punt with confidence on players who have not appeared since then.

Tournament favourite Dustin Johnson has a fantastic Royal Greens record and will do for many at 7-1, but the American likes to fully immerse himself in 'downtime' and may not have spent much time on the practice ground over the last few months. DJ may see this as a gentle loosener for the more lucrative LIV action to come.

Far more appealing is Lucas Herbert, who finished tenth in the Australian Open just before Christmas, was co-victor in a low-grade one-round pro-am in his homeland to start this year, then finished third in the Dubai Desert Classic on Monday.

Herbert has switched from a draw to a fade off the tee this year and is thrilled with his extra control. With more fairway-finding ability to go with his amazing short-game skills, the Aussie could become an elite performer. 

He has had a couple of decent spins at Royal Greens and the forecast for windy afternoons will hold no fears for him.

Next best bet

Matthew Wolff 25-1

While the likes of Johnson and Cameron Smith may be easing their way into the new year, 23-year-old Matthew Wolff has probably been busy on the practice ground, eager for trophies, money and glory.

Wolff, who has finished sixth and fifth in his two starts at Royal Greens, got engaged five weeks ago and the 2020 US Open runner-up could have further reason to celebrate on Sunday.

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