The betting angle for punters this week on SA Tour Golf is built around the Gary and Vivienne Player Invitational at the Lost City at Sun City.

It’s tough to call, being just a two-day pro-am charity affair, with not much more than pride at stake for the 24-man professional field. That the field includes Gary Player himself in that format makes taking a flutter on the great man very tempting!

Hennie Otto

Hennie Otto is vastly experienced, and with seven top-10s in his Sunshine Tour season so far, he seems a good bet to go one better than his second-place finish in the Gary & Vivienne Player Challenge at Selborne Park in September. He’s the kind of player who thrives in the pro-am environment. With the informality letting him freewheel a bit, and get over bad shots quicker than normal, he’ll be a tough nut to crack.

Way to bet: 8-1 to win, 16-10 to place (in the top 4)

Jaco van Zyl

For all the reasons you have to back Hennie Otto, the same applies to Jaco van Zyl. He has the added benefit of having won, and won big, at the Lost City, when he took the Investec Cup there in 2013. And while that was a long time ago, he broke a six-year victory drought on the Sunshine Tour in September when he took the Gary & Vivienne Player Challenge.

Way to bet: 12-1 to win, 24-10 to place (in the top 4)

Martin Vorster

The former number one amateur in South Africa has found his feet on the Sunshine Tour as a professional. He has top-10s in his last two tournaments, with a share of sixth in the Vodacom Origins of Golf Final at Pinnacle Point, and of fifth in the PGA Championship at St Francis Links. Those are both tough courses, and his all-round game should find the Lost City to his liking.

Way to bet: 12-1 to win, 24-10 to place (in the top 4)