Golf Betting Guide
Betting on golf offers unique challenges and opportunities. It’s a slower, more strategic game that rewards patience and careful analysis. Unlike team sports, you get to focus on individual players, their skills, and how they match up with the course and conditions.
With so many tournaments and formats, the betting options are as varied as the game itself. You don’t need to be a golf expert to get started, but knowing how to factor in things like course history, player form, and weather conditions can make a big difference in your bets.
This guide breaks down the basics of betting on golf, from understanding odds to spotting the best value. We will walk you through the common wager types, touching on everything from outright winners and top-10 finishes to more advanced strategies. No matter if you’re betting on The Masters or a smaller mid-season tournament, this page will help you enjoy golf betting with confidence.
On This Page
the Pro Golf Format
Understanding the format is essential for bettors, as it influences player performance, scheduling, and betting markets. Here’s a look at the current state of professional golf.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Events | Over 50 tournaments throughout the year including four majors, WGC, PGA, and LIV circuits. |
| Notable Tournaments | – The Masters – U.S. Open – The Open Championship – PGA Championship – The Players Championship – Women’s PGA Championship – Various LIV Golf Events |
| Season Duration | It runs year-round, starting with the fall series and culminating in the FedEx Cup in August. |
| Field Size (Players per Tournament) | Most events feature 120-156 players, with reduced fields for playoffs and invitationals. |
| Cut Rule | Most events implement a 36-hole cut, with the top 65 and ties advancing. |
| Recent Adjustments | – Increased Prize Pools: Many events, including majors, have increased payouts to attract top players. – Global Focus: Expanded schedules for international tournaments in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. – Enhanced Technology: Real-time shot tracking and AI-powered analytics available for fans and bettors. |
| Schedule Considerations | – Rest Periods: Teams get longer breaks during holidays and travel-heavy stretches. – Rivalry Games: Divisional opponents play each other four times per season, influencing betting familiarity. – In-Season Tournament: The league introduced a mid-season tournament in December with playoff-style stakes. |
Why This Matters for Betting
The global nature of the sport, combined with unique tournament setups and evolving player dynamics, means that understanding these details can give you a strategic edge. From the cut rule to major championship formats, every aspect of the league influences the odds and your chances to win.
How to Bet on Golf – The Basics
Golf betting gives you a variety of options to choose from. Whether you like picking outright winners, betting on head-to-head matchups, or exploring props, there’s something for everyone. Understanding these bet types is the first step to making smarter decisions. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ways to bet on golf:
Outright Winner
This is the most common type of golf bet. Simply pick the golfer you think will win the tournament. Because golf tournaments often have large fields, outright winner bets can offer big payouts, even for the favorites.
Top Finishes
You can bet on players to finish in the top 5, 10, or 20 of a tournament. These bets are less risky than picking an outright winner and still offer solid value.
Example: If Collin Morikawa is +200 to finish in the top 10, a $50 bet would win $100 if he finishes anywhere in the top 10.
Each-Way Bets
An each-way bet combines an outright winner and top finish wager (usually top 5 or top 10).
Example: Betting $20 each way on Jon Rahm means $20 goes toward him winning, and $20 goes toward a top-5 finish. If he places 3rd, you’ll still see a return on your bet.
Matchup Bets
In matchup bets, sportsbooks pair two players, and you bet on which one will perform better in the tournament or a single round. The overall winner of the tournament doesn’t matter—just how the two players compare.
Example: Betting on Scottie Scheffler to beat Jordan Spieth in a head-to-head matchup means you only care about which of these two has the lower score.
Round Leader Bets
These bets focus on who will lead after a specific round, such as the first round. They can offer high payouts but are riskier due to the shorter time frame.
Prop Bets
Prop bets focus on specific outcomes during a game, like whether there will be a hole-in-one during the tournament or if a playoff will be needed to decide the winner. Some typical options are:
- Will there be a knockdown?
- Will the fight go the distance?
- Will a specific fighter get deducted points?
Futures Bets
Futures bets are placed on events scheduled far in advance, such as betting on the winner of the next Ryder Cup or a major tournament before the season starts.
Live Betting
Live betting allows you to place wagers during the tournament as it unfolds. Odds change frequently based on player performance and course conditions. One bad swing from a golf can equal a huge swing in the live odds too.
Understanding the Odds and Using them to Your Advantage
Golf betting odds are unique compared to other sports. With many golfers in each tournament and unpredictable outcomes, the odds can be highly lucrative but also tricky to navigate.
Understanding how odds are structured and when to act can help you find value and make safer bets. Here’s what makes golf odds different and how you can use them to your advantage.
- Wide Tournament Fields Mean Higher Odds – Unlike team sports with just two or three betting options, golf tournaments often feature over 100 players, leading to higher odds for outright winners. This increases the potential payout but also means more risk.
Tip: Consider each-way bets to hedge your risk while still benefiting from higher odds. - Live Odds Fluctuate Constantly – In golf, odds change in real time based on player performance, course conditions, and weather. Live betting provides opportunities to capitalize on momentum shifts or overreactions to bad holes. If you see someone bogey early but think they can recover, that could be a chance to pile on.
Tip: Watch the match if you want to bet live and consider all of the variables. If you place timely bets based on the available data, you can find value. - Matchup Odds Offer Consistent Value – Head-to-head matchups between two players often have tighter odds, but they’re easier to analyze since you only need to evaluate two competitors instead of the entire field.
Tip: Focus on recent performance metrics of the two golfers in question to make informed decisions. - Weather Can Swing the Odds – Golf is one of the few sports where weather plays a significant role. Wind, rain, and changing conditions can impact tee times and favor certain players.
Tip: Check weather forecasts and consider betting on players with favorable tee times. - Pay Attention to Course-Specific Factors – Certain players perform better on specific types of courses, like links-style layouts or long, open fairways. Sportsbooks factor this into the odds, but not always accurately. For example, a player like Cameron Smith, known for excelling on links courses, might be undervalued in a tournament like The Open.
Tip: Research course history and player performance on similar layouts to spot mispriced odds.
Proven Golf Betting Strategies
Betting on golf is fun, but when you have a plan and win, it’s downright exciting. Below are some specific strategies proven to help golf bettors make safer wagers. Each includes a practical action step to put the strategy into practice.
Recent Form Will Tell You A Lot
Golfers’ performances often come in streaks. Players with strong recent finishes are more likely to maintain momentum, especially in a tournament with similar conditions.
Strategy: Check the last five tournament finishes for the golfers you’re considering. If a player has finished in the top 5 several times, they could be a solid pick for a top-10 finish bet.
Focus On Head-to-Head Matchups
Head-to-head bets simplify the analysis by focusing on only two players. This allows you to dive deeper into their current form and strengths.
Strategy: Compare strokes gained stats, driving accuracy, and putting performance for both players in the matchup. If Player A has better stats over the last three tournaments but slightly longer odds, they might offer better value.
Target Underdogs in Smaller Tournaments
Lesser-known players often offer great value in less high-profile events due to less public betting interest. A young player who thrives on Korn Ferry Tour courses might be a good underdog pick in a lower-tier PGA event.
Strategy: Research smaller tournaments and focus on players who consistently perform well in similar events.
Diversification Is Your Friend in Golf
Golf is less predictable than many sports. Instead of putting all your money on one outright winner, spread your bets across top finishes, matchups, and props.
Strategy: Allocate a set percentage of your bankroll to different bet types. For example, 50% on top-10 finishes, 30% on matchups, and 20% on outright winners.
Tips to Handicap Golf Tournaments For Smarter Bets
Analyzing players, courses, and conditions can help you handicap golf tournaments, going beyond the basic strategies to identify value in the betting market. Unlike team sports, where matchups are straightforward, golf’s individual nature across unique game formats adds layers of complexity.
By focusing on specific factors, you can make better-informed bets and improve your success rate. Here are key methods to handicap golf effectively, with examples for clarity.
Betting Tip #1Study Offensive and Defensive Ratings
Some courses favor long hitters, while others reward precision and short-game skills. Understanding which skills the course demands can narrow down your choices.
Example:
A course like TPC Sawgrass, with its tight fairways and water hazards, favors accurate players like Matt Fitzpatrick over bombers who struggle with precision.
Tip: Study the course layout and stats like driving accuracy, greens in regulation, and putting success on different types of greens.
Betting Tip #2Assess Strokes Gained Metrics
Strokes gained stats break down a player’s performance in specific areas, like off-the-tee, approach shots, or putting. These metrics reveal where players have an edge.
Example:
A player like Collin Morikawa, known for his elite approach game, might excel on courses that demand strong iron play.
Tip: Use strokes gained data available on PGA Tour websites to evaluate players’ strengths and weaknesses.
Betting Tip #3Look at Tee-Time Advantages
Weather and course conditions can vary throughout the day, giving certain players a potential edge based on their tee times.
Example:
If morning tee times are forecasted to have calmer winds, players in those groups might have an advantage over afternoon starters.
Tip: Compare tee-time groupings and consider betting on players with favorable conditions.
Betting Tip #4Use Field Strength as a Guide
The quality of the field can influence a player’s chances. In weaker fields, rising stars or consistent performers often have better odds of winning or placing.
Example:
A player like Keegan Bradley, who might not contend in majors, could be a strong pick in a mid-tier tournament with fewer elite players.
Tip: Research the strength of the field and focus on players who consistently perform well in similar events.
Betting Tip #5Watch for Fatigue or Overplaying
Golfers who compete in back-to-back tournaments or travel long distances may struggle with fatigue, affecting their performance.
Example:
A player coming off a long playoff event might underperform in a smaller tournament the following week.
Tip: Check players’ recent schedules to spot those who might be overplayed.
Betting Tip #6Factor in Motivation
Motivation varies depending on the tournament’s prestige and stakes. Players may perform better in majors or events with significant payouts.
Example:
A fringe player needing points to secure a Tour card might outperform expectations in a smaller tournament.
Tip: Consider a player’s ranking, upcoming schedule, and incentive to perform.
Betting Tip #7Pay Attention to Weather Conditions
Weather affects everything from the odds to the golfers. Windy or rainy conditions might benefit experienced players or those comfortable in challenging environments.
Example:
Links-style courses in windy conditions often favor players like Shane Lowry, who thrive in harsh weather.
Tip: Check the weather forecast and consider players with proven records in similar conditions.
The Best Sites to Bet on Golf Tournaments
When it comes to betting on golf, the best sites offer more than just basic odds. Look for safe platforms that provide a wide variety of bet types. The leading offshore sportsbooks also offer stats, player analysis, and tools like odds calculators to give you an extra edge when making picks.
The best platforms make it easy to track multiple bets, offer quick payouts, and provide seamless mobile experiences so you can bet on the go. If you live in a state with US-regulated sites like FanDuel and DraftKings, they are great for line shopping and should be in your rotation.
Teeing Up Success With Your New Golf Betting Gameplan
Betting on golf combines the strategy of the game itself with the excitement of wagering. With so many factors to consider, it’s a sport that rewards careful research and a measured approach. Whether you’re betting on a major championship or a lesser-known event, understanding the nuances of golf betting just might give you an edge.
Start with the basics, focus on what you can control, and learn from each wager. Experiment with different bet types, track your results and refine your strategies over time. So get ready to pick your players, study the course, and tee off with confidence.
