The American Express 2026: Preview and three golf betting tips

Odds Now’s golf tipster Ross Kilvington continues his look at the events on the 2026 DP World Tour

In this latest preview, the focus is on the 2026 South African Open, set to start on Thursday at Stellenbosch Golf Club. Read on to find out which golfers are being tipped for success this weekend.

South African Open 2026 betting preview

The DP World Tour moves from Kenya to South Africa this week as the South African Open takes place at Stellenbosch Golf Club.

This is the first time this venue has been used at the tournament since 1999 and it is a lengthy course, measuring at 7, 213 yards and it plays as a par 70.
There are 44 bunkers dotted around the course, while trees have been placed in strategic locations throughout.

First held in 1893, this tournament is the second oldest national open in the history of the game, with the likes of Gary Player, Bobby Locke and Ernie Els are winning multiple titles.

South Africans have won the previous seven editions and several home players lead the way in the market.

As ever, we at Odds Now take a look at three selections ahead of the tournament.

2026 South African Open betting picks

Selection #1 – Jayden Schaper – 11/1 (various, 1/5 odds, 6 places)

Jayden Schaper is the favourite alongside Patrick Reed for this event, with the two being the most in-form players on tour.

While there is certainly a case to plump for Reed, I’m going with Schaper this week, especially considering how dominant South Africans have been at this event.

He has already won in his home country this season, claiming the Alfred Dunhill Championship, before making it back-to-back wins a week later in Mauritius.

Schaper twice finished in the top-10 across two of his subsequent four events and comes into this tournament feeling fresh after a couple of weeks off.
He ranks first on tour for Strokes Gained: Putting and second for Strokes Gained: Total. It would be a major surprise to not see him challenging on the back nine on Sunday.

Selection #2 – Dean Burmester – 20/1 (various, 1/5 odds, 6 places)

Dean Burmester knows what it is like to win this title.

In 2023, he romped to the trophy at Blair Atholl by three strokes. That was a special moment for the South African that would see him parachute onto even more lucrative successes in the years since.

The 36-year-old has won LIV Golf crowns in Miami in 2024 and Chicago in 2025.
Burmester finished T32 at the Alfred Dunhill Championship a few months ago, but comes into this event on the back of a T6 finish at LIV Golf Adelaide.

With a Masters invite surely enough incentive for Burmester to do well this week, he could certainly challenge for a second national open title.

Selection #3 – Jacob Skov Olesen – 45/1 (Bet365, 1/4 odds, 5 places)

Jacob Skov Olesen is trending nicely heading into this event at odds of 45/1, he has tempted me into a wager this week.

The Dane finished T3 at the Qatar Masters earlier this month, just three strokes behind Reed who claimed the title, looking in great nick.

Then last week in Kenya, he sealed another top-five finish, shooting back-to-back 65s over the weekend.

He has yet to win on the DPWT, but there is no doubt in my mind that 2026 will be the year that drought finally ends.

This event is wide open, especially with the change to a venue that hasn’t been used this century, which means those further down the market can seize a chance to shine this week.

Ross Kilvington's best bets for the South African Open 2026

1pt EW - Jayden Schaper – 11/1 (various - 1/5 odds, 6 places)

0.75pt EW - Dean Burmester – 20/1 (various - 1/5 odds, 6 places)

0.5pt EW - Jacob Skov Olesen – 40/1 (Various - 1/5 odds, 6 places)

Total staked - 4.5pts