Golf Betting Guide

In this golf betting guide, we learn to create a betting account, choose bets, and understand different betting types. We discover golf bet tips on choosing the right golfers and tournaments. This guide is a quick way to begin your betting in golf journey.

Table of content

Key Considerations

✔️ It’s essential to choose a sportsbook that is licensed, well-reviewed, and offers competitive odds. Compatibility with your country’s betting regulations and customer service quality are also important factors.

✔️ Setting up an account requires providing personal details and depositing funds. Sportsbooks often offer bonuses to new customers with specific terms and conditions.

✔️ There are several types of golf bets, including Outright Winner, Each-Way Betting, Head-to-Head Matchups, Top 10/20 Finish, and Prop Bets.

✔️ Successful betting for the golf involves researching golfers’ recent performances, injury status, past results on specific courses, and current weather conditions.

✔️ Place Bets, Each Way Bets To Make the Cut, Matchups, Prop Bets, Parlay Bets, Nationalities Bets, Round Totals, Round Leaders, and Futures.

✔️ Live golf betting system requires selecting a sportsbook with real-time betting capabilities and understanding the tournament’s format and participants.

✔️ Major tournaments such as The Masters, US Open, PGA Championship, and The Open are key events with unique betting implications.

✔️ Specific PGA Tour events, including the Phoenix Open, Genesis Invitational, and Arnold Palmer Invitational, present distinct challenges and opportunities for bettors.

✔️ Tournaments like the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and Dubai Desert Classic are part of the DP World Tour, featuring diverse courses and conditions.

How to Start Golf Betting

Ready to bet on golf online? Just follow these simple steps:

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1. Choose a Reputable Sportsbook: Look for a platform that is licensed, has good reviews, and offers competitive live golf odds. Some popular options include Bet365, 22bet, and others. Ensure the sportsbook you choose supports betting from your country and offers good customer service.

2. Create Your Account: Once you’ve chosen a sportsbook, create one. This will involve providing personal information like your name, birth date, address, and often the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. You’ll also need to create a username and password.

3. Deposit Funds & Claim Your Bonus: Most sportsbooks offer new customers a welcome bonus or deposit match. Read the terms and conditions to understand how to claim and use bonus. Deposit funds into your account using an accepted payment method, such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets, or bank transfers.

4. Understand Golf Betting: Before placing bets, familiarize yourself with the types of bets you can make in golf. Standard betting options include:

  • Outright Winner: Betting on a golfer to win the tournament.
  • Each-Way Betting: A bet split into a win part and a place part. If your golfer wins, you win both parts. If they place (usually top 5 or 6), you win the place part.
  • Head-to-Head Matchups: Betting on one golfer to finish higher than another golfer.
  • Top 10/20 Finish: Betting on a golfer to finish within the top 10 or 20.
  • Prop Bets: These can include betting on the winner’s nationality, hole-in-ones, or the tournament’s lowest round.

5. Pick Your Golf Bets: Now that you understand the types of bets, navigate to the ‘Golf’ section on the sportsbook’s website or app. Here you will find a list of upcoming events, such as the Masters, the US Open, or the Ryder Cup. Select the golf bet event you’re interested in, then explore the available betting markets.

6. Analyze and Place Your Bet: Before placing your bet, do some research. Check the golfer’s recent form, injury status, history on the course, and weather conditions. Once ready, add your selections to the bet slip, choose your stake, and confirm your bet.

7. Watch the Event and Track Your Bet:
After placing your bet, you can watch the golf event to see how your bet is doing. Most sportsbooks offer live betting, so you can place additional bets as the tournament progresses.

8. Withdraw Your Winnings: If your bet in golf is successful, your winnings will be credited to your account. You can then withdraw your funds according to the sportsbook’s withdrawal policy.

Golf Bet Types

Betting on golf offers a variety of golf betting rules and options. Each type provides different challenges and rewards, so choose based on your preferences and strategy.

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Outright Winner:

This is the most straightforward bet where you pick the golfer you believe will win the tournament. Look for players who are in good form or have a strong history on the course.

Long shots can provide great value, but favorites are likelier to win. Pay attention to the field’s strength, weather conditions, and recent player performances.

Place Bets:

You bet on a golfer to finish within a specified range of positions, such as top 5 or top 10. It’s a safer bet than outright winners. Consider consistent players who may only sometimes win but often finish high. The odds are lower than outright bets, but these bets offer a higher chance of winning.

Each Way Bets:

Each way bet golf is a combination of two bets for a win and a place. Each part of the bet has equal stakes. Ideal for backing golfers with high odds who have a good chance of placing even if they don’t win. Check the terms for the number of places paid and the fraction of the odds paid for placing.

To Make the Cut:

You bet on whether a golfer will pass the cut line and play in the final rounds. Good for betting on consistent players who may not win but usually make the cut. Odds are generally lower, especially for top players so it may be best used in parlays.

Matchups:

Sportsbooks create hypothetical head-to-head matchups, and you bet on which golfer will perform better. Analyze the golfers’ recent form, course fit, and head-to-head history. These bets can be less volatile than outright bets and are suitable for knowledgeable punters.

Prop Bets:

These bets focus on specific outcomes within a tournament that don’t necessarily relate to the final result. Great for those with niche knowledge of the sport.

Look for value in less popular markets. It can include a wide range of bets, such as whether a player will hit a hole-in-one, the number of birdies, or the winner’s nationality.

Parlay Bets:

Combining two or more selections into one bet for higher potential payouts. It is best used with bets with shorter odds to increase the payout while managing risk. All selections must win for the parlay to pay out, making it a higher-risk bet.

Nationalities Bets:

You bet on the highest-placed golfer of a specific nationality. Useful when clear standouts from a particular country or the field is wide open. Research the form of players from the same country and consider any home advantage.

Round Totals:

Betting on whether a player’s score for a round will be over or under a specified number. Consider the player’s scoring average and course difficulty. Weather conditions can significantly impact scoring, so keep an eye on forecasts.

Round Leaders:

You bet on who will lead the tournament at the end of a specific round. Look for fast starters or players who perform well under specific course conditions. Some players may lead early but falter later, providing good value for this bet.

Futures:

Bets placed on events that will happen further, such as who will win the next Masters. Futures offer higher odds and can lock in value on players expected to improve. Injuries, form changes, and other variables can impact futures, so they carry more risk.

FAQ

⭐ How does betting on golf work?

Bettors can bet on spreads, choosing if a golfer wins or loses by a set number of points or picking the round winner on money lines. For instance, a $11 bet on Morikawa or Thomas against the spread could earn $10.

⭐ Is golf betting profitable?

Yes, it can be. You can bet on favorable odds by researching and finding golfers with better winning chances than their odds imply.

⭐ Is golf hard to bet on?

Predicting a winner in golf tournaments is difficult due to the many competitors, resulting in much higher odds than in other sports. But reading a golf guide for beginners would make it easier.

⭐ What's the best way to bet on golf?

Aside from choosing an outright winner for high payouts in golf betting, you can also bet on a golfer’s finishing position, like top-five, top-10, or top-20, offering various ways to bet.

⭐ How often do favorites win in golf?

The favorite in golf wins only 7.71% of the time, and with average odds of 9/1 (equivalent to 1.11%), betting on favorites often offers little value.

⭐ What is PGA golf betting?

PGA golf betting involves wagering on outcomes and events related to Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) tournaments.

⭐ What is Masters golf betting?

Masters golf betting involves placing wagers on the outcomes and events of the prestigious Masters Tournament, one of the major championships in professional golf.

How to Bet Live?

Live betting on golf requires quick decision-making as the game progresses, adding excitement to the sport. 

Here’s how to do it:

1. Find a Sportsbook: Choose a reputable online sportsbook that offers live betting on golf. Sign up by providing the necessary personal information and secure your account with a strong password. Ensure the sportsbook is licensed and has good reviews for customer service and timely payouts.

2. Make a Deposit:
Deposit funds into your account using one of the available payment methods. These could include credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, or cryptocurrencies. Check for any welcome bonuses or promotions that might apply to your first deposit to get extra value.

3. Understand the Tournament Structure:
Familiarize yourself with the tournament’s format, field, and schedule. Major golf tournaments like The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and PGA Championship have unique characteristics that can influence betting strategies.

4. Choose the Tournament: Navigate to the golf section of your sportsbook’s live betting menu.
Find the specific tournament you’re interested in. It may be listed under PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA, or other tour listings.

5. Select the Market: Explore the various live betting markets for golf. Common options include:

  • Outright Winner: Betting on a player to win the tournament.
  • End-of-Round Leaders: Betting on who will lead at the end of a specific round.
  • Head-to-Head/Matchup Bets: Wagering on one player to outperform another during a round or the entire tournament.
  • Proposition Bets: These can include betting on whether there will be a hole-in-one, the day’s lowest round, or over/under scores for specific players.

6. Monitor the Odds: Live golf betting odds are dynamic and can change rapidly due to events on the course, such as birdies, bogeys, weather changes, and momentum shifts. Keep an eye on the live broadcast or scoring app to stay informed about what’s happening in real time.

7. Add to Bet Slip and Place Bet: When you’ve decided on your bet, click on the odds to add it to your bet slip. Recheck the odds, as they might have changed since you first looked at them. Decide if you’re comfortable with the new odds. Enter your stake, review your potential payout, and confirm your bet.

8. Watch the Action and Track Your Bet: Most sportsbooks allow you to track your live bets directly in your account or on the bet slip. Stay engaged with the tournament as it progresses. This will help you make informed decisions if you want to place additional bets or cash out early if that option is available.

Golf Tournaments for Betting

Golf features numerous tournaments throughout the year, but some stand out for betting. They offer betting opportunities, from the historic The Open to the challenging US Open.

Here’s a rundown of the most significant ones:

The Main Tournaments

🏆 The Masters: Hosted at Augusta National in Georgia, this major highlights the golf calendar. Consider players’ previous performances at Augusta and their early season form, as this tournament often sets the tone for the year.

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🏆 US Open: Known for its challenging courses and harsh playing conditions, leading to low scores. Focus on golfers who excel in precision and can maintain consistency under rigorous conditions.

🏆 PGA Championship: Run by the PGA of America, this event includes top professionals and teaching pros. Look for players who have shown skill on demanding courses and those who can handle the varied challenges these courses present.

🏆 The Open: The oldest major, played on links courses in the UK and Ireland, known for their distinct challenges. Successful betting here involves focusing on players adept at links golf and those who can adapt to the often-variable weather conditions of the region.

PGA Tour 

The main tour in the U.S. attracts the world’s top players. Key tournaments include:

🏆 Phoenix Open: Known for its lively atmosphere, it can be unpredictable. Consider players’ abilities to handle this event’s unique pressure and crowd engagement.

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🏆 Genesis Invitational: Held at the historic Riviera Country Club, course familiarity and a player’s history at this venue can be crucial in betting decisions.

🏆 Arnold Palmer Invitational: This tournament often attracts top golfers. Look at players’ performances in previous invitational events and their adaptability to the Bay Hill Club and Lodge course.

🏆 The Players Championship: Often referred to as golf’s “fifth major,” this championship requires a well-rounded skill set. Players with versatility and mental toughness in majors are often good bets.

🏆 WGC Matchplay: With its matchplay format, consider golfers who excel in head-to-head matchups and have solid games.

🏆 RBC Heritage: Held at the Harbour Town Golf Links, a course known for its narrow fairways, prioritize players with accuracy over distance in your golf betting strategy.

🏆 Wells Fargo Championship: This event often features a strong field. Look at recent form and players’ past performances at the Quail Hollow Club.

🏆 The Memorial Tournament: Hosted by Jack Nicklaus, it’s a prestigious event. Betting successfully here often means focusing on players who are in top form and have a history of performing well in high-stakes situations.

🏆 Travelers Championship: Post-U.S. Open, players’ ability to recover and adapt quickly to the TPC River Highlands is critical.

🏆 St. Jude Classic: Considering players building momentum and performing well in humid conditions, typical of Memphis, preceding the U.S. Open.

🏆 BMW Championship: Part of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, this championship often sees players at their peak. Focus on those who have been consistent throughout the season.

🏆 Tour Championship: The final event of the FedEx Cup, where the top 30 players compete. Betting here involves looking at the season-long performance and players’ abilities to handle pressure in crucial moments.

DP World Tour 

Formerly the European Tour, hosting events worldwide. Notable tournaments are:

🏆 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship: This event often features a strong international field. Consider factors like players’ ability to adapt to the desert course conditions and their performance in similar climate settings.

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🏆 Dubai Desert Classic: Held in a distinctive desert setting, this classic favors players who excel in firm and fast course conditions. Look for golfers with a good track record in desert courses and those who perform well under typically sunny and dry conditions.

🏆 Genesis Scottish Open: This tournament is a lead-up to The Open Championship. Pay attention to players who have a strong game in links-style courses and those who can handle the often unpredictable Scottish weather.

🏆 PGA Championship: As one of the four majors, the PGA Championship requires a versatile skill set. Focus on players who have shown consistency in major tournaments and have the mental resilience to handle the pressure of a major.

🏆 DP World Tour Championship: This is the climax of the European Tour season, featuring top-ranked players. Betting successfully here involves focusing on those who have maintained good form throughout the season and can handle the pressure of a high-stakes finale.

Dead Heat Betting Rules in Golf

In golf betting, ties are common, particularly in markets like place or each-way bets. When a tie occurs, it’s a dead heat, affecting how payouts are calculated. 

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This is an example:

Suppose you bet $100 on John Rahm to place in the top 5 at the Masters, with odds of +400. If Rahm ties for 5th place with 5 other players, golf betting dead heat rules are applied.

  • Original bet: $100 at +400 odds.
  • Dead heat situation: Your bet amount ($100) is divided by the number of players tied (5).
  • Adjusted bet: $20 ($100 divided by 5).
  • Payout calculation: $20 at +400 odds results in a $100 return.
  • Outcome: You break even since the $100 return matches your original $100 stake.

Golf Betting Guide: Conclusion

To succeed in golf betting, you should learn the different bet types, use smart strategies, and keep up with major tournaments. Set up your betting account, understand players’ performances, and consider factors like weather and course layout. 

As talked about in the golf betting guide – quick decision-making is key in live betting, and knowing how to handle tie situations and finding the best golf bet odds can boost your betting skills. Use golf betting tips and stay informed and adaptable to maximize your golf betting experience.

Dalius Mikalauskas

Sports Betting Expert

Dalius became interested in sports betting at the age of 16, although he could not place bets at that time (bets accepted from the age of 18). However, it was not forbidden to sell betting picks, which is what the author did actively on sports betting forums. Today, he has more than 18 years of experience in sports betting. In school, the auth ..
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