European Tour 2019 Saudi International Odds and Picks

• Four of the top five golfers in the world will be competing at the 2019 Saudi International
• Haotong Li is poised to break through following his rules controversy
• We’ve narrowed down the golfers with the best chance of emerging victorious

To say the inaugural Saudi International tournament is loaded with superstar talent would be a massive understatement – four of the top five in the world are competing including Justin Rose, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau.

The deep field doesn’t end there with the two most recent Masters champions teeing it up to go along with other star players.

2019 Saudi International Odds

*Follow the link in the table to see all options

Which Big Name is Primed to Win the Saudi International?

Given that this is a brand new golf tournament there is no course history to speak of which makes predicting a winner even more difficult than usual.

Justin Rose wins for the 6th time in his last 31 worldwide starts.

He joins James Barnes as the only English-born golfers with 10 career PGA TOUR wins.

Rose's 21-under 267 is 1 stroke shy of the tournament scoring record (1999 Tiger Woods, 1987 George Burns). pic.twitter.com/3RTkJlribV

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 27, 2019

Justin Rose and Bryson DeChambeau are coming off victories this last week in impression fashion so you’d be a fool to discount their chances. However, I’ll be that potential fool in saying winning back-to-back weeks is extremely rare, so I’d be more inclined to pass on Rose and DeChambeau.

Five wins since 2017 ?

Bryson DeChambeau has won more over the last 13 months than anyone else in golf. #ODDC19 pic.twitter.com/blLOrcZLcV

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 28, 2019

Dustin Johnson somehow hasn’t won anywhere since July, which for him equates to a slump in his last nine official events. In that span he’s racked up five top 10’s so he’s still playing strong golf. Of the big names I’m looking at him to win this week.

Haotong Li Embroiled in Controversy

Haotong Li had a fantastic showing last week which should’ve netted a tie for third finish. However, he was penalized two strokes on the final green for violating one of the many new rules to the 2019 season.

What are your thoughts on @haotong_li being given a 2-shot penalty by the #EuropeanTour after his caddie was judged to have aided his alignment for a short putt for birdie on the 18th green at the @OMEGAGolfDubai? pic.twitter.com/WcWK57Y64e

— Golfing World (@GolfingWorld) January 28, 2019

That sketchy ruling cost Li over $100,000 and created major waves among players. Even commissioner Keith Pelley was not happy with it.

UPDATE: European Tour CEO Keith Pelley says, even though the Haotong Li ruling might be correct, it is 'grossly unfair.' https://t.co/bNmKuPTEUX pic.twitter.com/8cJ0nzC3u8

— Golf Central (@GolfCentral) January 28, 2019

Haotong Li’s last 8 tournaments

The affable Li has the demeanor to brush off such a mistake and at +2500 I’m looking straight at him to put this controversy behind him and emerge victorious for the third time on the European Tour.

Last 5 European Tour Winners

2019 Saudi International Best Value Picks

1. Henrik Stenson (+2800): Hasn’t been playing as strong of late with two missed cuts, but if any player can break out of a funk in a big way it’s Stenson.
2. Tom Lewis (+5000): Five top tens in last eight tournaments, including a victory at the Portugal Masters in September.
3. Alvaro Quiros (+12500): The streaky Spaniard is coming off a very strong showing at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic with a tie for third placing.