Golf bettors are among the most spoiled for choice in sports betting, and if you know how to bet on golf you can always find something worth a punt. Below, we will look at some key golf betting facts.
If you need a reason to learn how to bet on golf online, one of the most convincing is that the season runs for the entire year. That means there’s always a tournament to bet on, and plenty of markets for each tournament. In this guide, we’re going to look at the golf betting information you need to know.
Understanding how to bet on golf
Golf betting differs from betting on a lot of other sports, and in a number of ways. First of all, golf tournaments are played over a number of days – usually four, but tournaments on the LIV Tour are usually played out in three. Additionally, the average golf tournament features as many as 80 players, with the field for the majors extending to more than a hundred. As a result, golf betting can be more unpredictable than most team sports, so knowing
how to bet on baseball
and betting on golf are very different things.
Most golfing events are played in a format known as stroke play, where the winner is the player who accumulates the lowest total score across all rounds. Some tournaments are played as match play, a format which gives the win to the player who takes most holes across an 18-hole round. A highly consistent player might be favored to win a stroke play contest, while someone with the ability to play shots others cannot, may have a better chance in match play.
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Pros and Cons of betting on golf
Advantages
- Large player fields
- Value in outsiders
- Tournaments every week
Types of golf bets
There are many ways to bet on golf – perhaps more than any other sport due to the structure of competitions, the number of individuals playing and, as we will see, even the international nature of the sport. A deep knowledge of golf is definitely an advantage, as it allows you to understand the value in each of the following markets.
- Outright Winner: Probably the most commonly-made bet at
high limit sportsbooks, this is simply picking the golfer you think will be top of the leaderboard after every round has been played.
- Each-Way: Because of the depth of the field, even the best player in the world will rarely win more than a few tournaments in a row. Taking that into account, you may choose to bet on someone simply to finish in the top five or ten spots.
- Matchup Betting: Reflecting the rivalry between the top players, some bookmakers will offer odds on which of two players will finish higher in the standings.
- Top Nationality: As golf is a highly international game, there is often value to be found in betting not on the name of the winner, but on which nationality will perform best, or the nationality of the winner. Nations such as the USA, Japan, England, Ireland and Australia often have multiple players who could win a tournament.
- First Round Leader: You may bet on a player to get off to a fast start and lead the competition after Round One. This is often a good market if you know of a player who can play a great round but struggles for stamina or consistency.
- In-Play Betting: Once the competition has begun, the betting doesn’t end. You can strike while the iron is hot if a player is doing well, and bet that they will birdie the next hole or finish the round under par.
Comparison of Popular Golf Bets
| Bet Type |
Description |
Complexity Level |
Research Required |
| Outright Winner |
Pick the tournament winner |
Medium |
Player form, course fit |
| Each-Way |
Bet to win or finish top 5/10 |
Low |
Basic event understanding |
| Matchup Betting |
Choose one player to beat another |
Low |
Head-to-head stats |
| Top Nationality |
Best player from a chosen country |
Medium |
Field breakdown |
| First-Round Leader |
Predict leader after round one |
High |
Fast starters, weather |
How to bet on golf tournaments
When deciding how to bet on golf tournaments, it pays to know as much as you can about as many players, courses and competitions as possible. Smartly researching your bets can greatly improve your betting experience.
1. Study the field
Consider whether the tournament benefits from a strong lineup or whether key players are missing. Some may choose not to play a certain tournament due to injury or fatigue, or simply because it doesn’t offer as many ranking points as others. A weaker field means more of a chance for an unfancied player to win.
Recent form is important; but equally important can be whether a player has enjoyed success on the course in previous years; or has a particularly good match play record if this is the format for the upcoming tournament.
3. Understand motivation level
A major tournament might be the impetus a player needs to bring his “A” game if he hasn’t been performing recently. It may equally lead to them “wanting it too much” if their previous record in the big tournaments has been shaky.
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Match play vs Tournament betting
While far less common than stroke play, match play events do occur during the season and are worth understanding. Unlike traditional formats, match play pits players – usually of relatively equal standing – against one another. They play hole-by-hole in a knockout format, or using a points system in team competitions like the Ryder Cup. Key differences to note include:
- A player can win a match before all 18 holes are played – e.g. if they lead by seven and there are only six left to play.
- Overall stroke count is meaningless – only the holes won are counted.
- It’s less predictable due to its higher volatility.
Factors that influence golf bets
There are factors beyond the players’ control that can affect the outcome of a tournament, and it is a good idea to understand how these can play into a golfing event, especially a major event given their larger fields and higher volatility.
Injuries
While golf is a less physically intensive sport than most, players do pick up injuries and even a minor wrist, elbow or leg injury can affect a player’s swing.
Course style
Big hitters tend to fare better on long courses; the more technical players will usually thrive on shorter, more complex courses with more hazards.
Weather
Strong winds, rain or even intense heat can make a difference, affecting factors such as the ball’s flight, playability and how far it bounces. Fitter players will perform better than others in conditions that demand greater stamina.
Tee times
First thing in the morning, the greens will be pristine and the fairways smooth. A few hours later after being walked on and dug up by heavy clubs, the course may be less hospitable to technical players.
When the field is tightly matched, even one of these factors can give you an edge, so it is always worth reading as much as you can before placing a bet.
How to bet on golf online
Most people now choose online betting as their way of backing their hunches, and knowing how to bet on golf online can save a lot of time as well as providing more options. These are some of the key aspects to look for in a provider:
Licensed sportsbooks: Always stick to sites that are regulated and licensed to ensure safety and fair treatment.
Mobile apps: Not only do they give you fast access to markets and odds, they also send notifications of offers and odds shifts.
Early cashout: If your chosen player is leading the field and you have a feeling they might be reeled in by the end of play, you can lock in a profit by cashing out mid-tournament.
Odds Boosts and promos: If you’re betting on golf for the first time, this can be the perfect time to use the
best sportsbook bonuses, limiting your exposure and helping you get the hang of the process.
Conclusion–betting on golf is simple and fun
Golf offers a lot of choice to the bettor, and its pacing as a game means it has one of the gentler learning curves of any sport. As will be clear from the above, it makes a lot of sense to do your research ahead of placing a bet so you understand the intricacies. But if you know the game well, the year-long season means knowing how to bet on golf will give you a range of exciting betting opportunities.
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How to bet on golf FAQ
🏌️♂️ What’s the simplest way to bet on golf?
There are as many different ways as to how to bet on a golf tournament as there are stars in the sky. For those looking to make a lower-risk early bet, the most straightforward might be an each-way bet at a big tournament.
🔍 How do I choose a golfer to bet on?
Doing your research ahead of placing a bet is essential. Keep in mind recent performance, history at the course in question, and even weather forecasts for the duration of the tournament.
⏳ Can I bet while a tournament is ongoing?
It depends on the bookmaker but, for the most part, in-play betting is absolutely a possibility. Use it to take advantage of changes in momentum during multi-day tournaments.
