How To Bet on Golf

You can make many different bets in golf: from betting on who will win a tournament to betting on the player who will place in the top 20 or even head-to-head matchups. 

To me, golf is one of the hardest sports to bet on because there is typically a different winner every week, which is why it's a smart idea to have various bets to lean on. You don't want to always bet a favorite either. 

Before we jump into what you can and should bet on, let's check out a few betting sites WHERE you can bet on golf.

Sportsbooks that offer golf betting odds

These sites offer betting odds on most major golf tournaments:

Things to consider when betting on golf

• The course. Knowing the golf course matters and the more nights you have the better you can bet. Different courses play to different strengths and weaknesses for a player. Whether it be a longer course, one with difficult greens, angulations, or whether you need to have great short game or a big drive, it's important to know how the course plays and how it impacts each golfer.
• Course history. For the most part, annual golf tournaments outside of majors, excluding the Masters, are played at the exact same course each and every year. This can be great information to have because if a player performs well at a particular event, it typically just means they are comfortable with that course.
• Streaks. If a player is on a hot streak, don't be afraid to rack up a bet on them. If they are cold, maybe consider betting on them to miss the cut. This is the line that determines whether a player will compete on the weekend. Only half the field from Thursday and Friday make it to Saturday and Sunday. The cut is determined by taking the mean average.

Different kinds of golf bets

There are a few types of bets to make - and this is the same for PGA or LIV.

Outright winner

The outright winner bet is the most common type of wager in golf. This is when a bettor predicts the golfer who will win the entire tournament. It is essential to consider factors such as a player's recent form, course suitability, and previous performance when making this bet.

Each-way

An each-way bet is a popular choice in golf, allowing bettors to hedge their bets and potentially secure a return even if their chosen player doesn't win outright. This type of wager consists of two parts: a win bet and a place bet. The place portion pays out if the golfer finishes within a specified number of places determined by the bookmaker.

Top finish

The top finish bet focuses on a player's performance. Rather than predicting the tournament winner, bettors wager on a golfer to achieve a specific position, such as a top-five finish or making the cut. This bet provides flexibility and allows bettors to capitalize on their knowledge of individual players' skills and tendencies.

Matchup

Matchup bets involve wagering on the outcome of a head-to-head contest between two golfers, regardless of their overall performance in the tournament. Bookmakers set odds for each matchup, and bettors choose the golfer they believe will outperform their opponent. This type of bet is particularly engaging as it pits two players directly against each other, adding an element of excitement and competition to the viewing experience.

Three-ball

In three-ball betting, bookmakers select three golfers playing together in the same group for a specific round. Bettors then predict which player will have the lowest score in that particular group. This bet adds an extra level of excitement, as it allows fans to focus on a specific group and compare the performance of three golfers directly.

Hole-in-one

The hole-in-one bet is a proposition bet centered around the thrilling possibility of a golfer achieving an ace during the tournament. Bettors can wager on whether a hole-in-one will occur, typically for a specific player, a specific hole, or even within a particular round. This bet adds a touch of anticipation to the game, with the rare occurrence of a hole-in-one creating an exhilarating moment for both players and spectators.

Final thoughts

Golf betting offers so many options for bettors to engage with the sport on a deeper level. Whether you prefer traditional outright winner bets, strategic each-way wagers, or fun hole-in-one prop bets, golf betting has something for everyone. 

As with any form of betting, do your research, consider the course and the details about each event, and don't risk to bet what you don't have. Hopefully, this helps the next time you sit down to watch the U.S. Open, the Masters, or a typical event in the spring.