Golf has become popular in the United States in terms of fan following and betting. The PGA Tour has embraced sports gambling with open arms, leading bettors to find lucrative betting opportunities in famous golf tournaments. To help you make the most of it, here is a detailed guide on how to bet on golf online. Explore common betting markets, understand how odds are set, and find golf betting strategies to help you bet safely in every golf tournament.
How to Bet on Golf Online
Betting on golf online is a simple, straightforward process. Here is how it goes:
- Identify sportsbooks that suit your preferences. You can choose from our reviewed list of leading golf betting sites.
- Sign-up and provide necessary personal details including name, date of birth, and email address.
- Set up your preferred payment method - offshore betting sites accept a variety of options ranging from tried-and-tested credit and debit cards to cryptocurrencies and eWallets.
- Make a deposit and claim your bonus. All bonus information can be found when signing up or visiting their dedicated bonus page.
- Head to the golf betting section at the sportsbook and explore the various golf markets they offer.
- Place your bets on your preferred tournaments, sit back, and let the good times roll.
How to Get the Best Odds for Golf Betting
The simplest way to get the best betting odds and lines for golf is to have accounts with multiple sports betting websites.
A sign of a successful golf bettor – in addition to having the right knowledge and betting experience – is they have access to several sportsbooks. It allows you to shop for the best betting lines to get the best value for your money.
For example, Rory McIlroy is pegged at -200 with Sportsbook A and -210 with Sportsbook B to win the Masters. In this case, the value lies in going with option A.
In another example, option B may offer over 50 prop bets, while A may be limited. For heavily one-sided matches, prop bets may be the way to go – in which case Sportsbook B is the preferred option.
When starting to bet on golf, it is always worth spending some time researching the sites to see who is offering the best odds and markets.
Golf Betting Odds Explained: How to Read Betting Lines
American golf odds are marked by a plus (+) or minus (-) sign. The minus sign is used for the favorite, the golfer more likely to win, while the plus sign is used for the underdog, the golfer more likely to lose.
These odds are typically referenced to a $100 bet. A negative value represents how much you must bet to win $100. On the other hand, a positive value represents how much you would win if you placed a $100 bet.
Consider Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods as an example. Suppose McIlroy has odds of -150 and Woods has odds of +200. In McIlroy’s case, the -150 means you must bet $150 to win $100. On the other hand, Woods’ odds of +200 mean that you would win $200 if you bet $100.
These golf odds are set by sportsbooks based on various factors, such as the golfer’s past performance, the difficulty of the course, weather conditions, and injuries. They are dynamic and can change up until the start of the event.
Golf Betting Markets: Popular Golf Bets to Make
When understanding how to bet on golf, it is crucial to know the different bets you can make. The golf betting markets provide numerous opportunities to place bets on various aspects of the game, not just the ultimate winner. The following sections will explore the most common golf bets available across different top offshore sportsbooks.
Moneyline – Outright
A moneyline bet is a straightforward wager on who will win a particular tournament. You are betting on the outright golf tournament winner, regardless of the margin of victory or any other factor.
For example, if Jon Rahm and Dustin Johnson are set to compete at the US Open, the moneyline on the outright winner may be represented as Rahm at -130 (favorite to win the competition) and Johnson at +250 (underdog).
Moneyline markets are incredibly popular due to their simplicity. That said, predicting an outright winner in a huge pool of golfers can be challenging.
Matchup Betting – Head-to-Head Action
Matchup betting market involves wagering on the outcome of a head-to-head matchup between two or more golfers. The bet can be placed for a specific round or the entire tournament. At the end of the specified period, the golfer with the lowest score – or the highest finishing position – wins the bet.
Matchup betting falls into two categories:
- 2-Ball Betting: In a 2-ball bet, you’re wagering which of two golfers will shoot a lower score in a specific round or across the entire tournament. For example, if Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are paired in a round during the Masters, and you place a 2-ball bet on Scheffler, you win if he finishes the round in a higher position than McIlroy.
- 3-Ball Betting: A 3-ball bet is similar to a 2-ball bet but involves three golfers instead of two. You’re betting on which of the three golfers will have the lowest score over the specified period. If Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and Dustin Johnson are in a group, and you place a 3-ball bet on Johnson, you win if Johnson has the lowest score of the three at the end of the specified period.
Two-ball and three-ball betting can be a good strategy when learning how to bet on golf. This type of head-to-head golf betting is much easier to call – when compared to outright winner bet – as you can focus your research on a much smaller pool of players than the entire field featuring over 100 golfers.
Placement Position Markets - Top 5/10/20
Position markets involve betting on a golfer to finish within a specific range (like top 5, top 10, etc.) at the end of a tournament.
It is a bit similar to the outright moneyline market, except your chances of cashing in are much better as you need to predict whether the golfer will finish in a particular range rather than a fixed position.
Do note that the position finish odds tend to change proportionally to the outright lines.
For example, assume that Tommy Fleetwood is rated at +1500 to win the British Open. If you bet on him to finish in the top 20 here, the odds would be around 1/20th the outright. Similarly, if you are predicting a top five finish for Fleetwood, you may find the odds at around 1/5th his outright moneyline to win the tournament.
Note that the placement position markets have dead heat rules - when multiple golfers finish in the same position. In such cases, your bet winnings may be reduced.
What are Dead Heat Rules in Golf Betting?
Dead heat rules apply when two or more golfers finish with the same score, resulting in a tie. In such cases, sportsbooks typically divide your original stake by the number of tied players, reducing your potential payout.
If four players tie for 10th place, for example, and you’ve placed a top 10 placement bet, your stake is divided by four, and you only receive a quarter of the payout you would have received if only one player had finished 10th.
Round Leader Betting
A very simple market, this is a bet placed on a golfer to be in first place after a specific round of a tournament. In many ways, it is like the moneyline outright market except for specific rounds. As such, it can be tricky to predict accurately.
If you bet on Patrick Cantlay finishing at the top after round one of the Wells Fargo Championship, you would win your stake if he scores the lowest among all players at the end of the first round.
Parlays
A parlay is a single bet that combines two or more individual bets for a higher payout. In golf, you could place a parlay bet on multiple golfers to win their respective tournaments or events. Sportsbooks give you the ability to combine different types of bet to build a parlay of your choice. In theory, it could feature outrights, matchups, props, placements, etc. These bets tend to be mutually exclusive and independent of each other.
All bets in the parlay must win for your bet to be successful. Any losing bet in the combination will lead to losing the bet. That said, some bookmakers offer parlay insurance if one leg of the parlay fails.
Round Totals (Over/Under)
This involves betting on whether the total score of a golfer or group of golfers in a round will be over or under a specified number set by the betting site. For example, if the round total for Ludvig Aberg is set at 70.5, you can bet on whether he will score over (71 or more) or under (70 or less).
Prop Bets
Prop bets, short for proposition bets, are side bets placed on specific events within a tournament. Golf props are independent of the overall result of the tournament, focusing on specific things that may take place during play. Common examples of golf prop bets are:
- Hole-in-One Bets: You can bet on whether Tiger Woods will score a hole-in-one during a tournament
- Birdie Bets: You can place a bet on the number of birdies Rory McIlroy will make in a round or throughout the tournament
- Cut Bets: You can wager on whether a golfer will make the cut (i.e., qualify for the final rounds of a tournament)
- Nationality Bets: These are bets placed on the nationality of the golfer with the best performance in the tournament; these come in handy for team events like the Ryder Cup.
Each-way Bets
An each-way bet in golf is two bets in one. The first part of the bet is for your chosen golfer to win the tournament, and the second part is for the golfer to finish within a specific range of positions - top 5, top 10, or top 20.
For example, if you place an each-way bet on Jon Rahm in the Masters Tournament, you would win the ‘win’ part of the bet if he wins the event, and win the ‘place’ part of the bet if he finishes within the specified range.
The good thing about each way betting is that bets are treated as two separate bets with two separate payouts. If the golfer finishes in the given range but does not win the tournament, you would still win the placement side of the bet. It is unlike a parlay, where all combined bets must win for you to get the payout.
Future Bets
Future bets are those placed on the outcome of a future event before it begins. In golf, this could be betting on who will win a major tournament like the U.S. Open or The Open Championship before it starts.
Live Betting
Live betting, also known as in-play betting, involves placing bets on a tournament while it is in progress. This could include betting on who will win, the outcome of a specific hole, or whether a golfer will make a birdie on the next hole, among other things. Think of it as betting while watching the golfers live in action.
Live golf betting allows you to adjust and strategize your bets in real time, basing your decisions on how the players perform.
Parimutuel Betting in Golf
Parimutuel betting, or pool betting, is a unique form of betting that is popular in golf. Unlike traditional betting, where the sportsbook sets the odds, parimutuel betting involves gathering all wagers into a collective pool. The concept originates from horse racing but has found its way into other sports, including golf. The beauty of this system lies in its communal nature - the stakes of all bettors are pooled together, and the payout is fixed once the pool is closed.
In golf, bettors could place wagers on various outcomes such as the tournament winner, top placements, or even specific occurrences within the tournament. Once the tournament concludes, the pool is divided among the people who made the correct predictions. The house takes its cut from the pool, and the remaining amount is distributed equally among the winning tickets. The potential payout is not determined until after the event has finished and depends on the number of winning tickets and participants.
Golf Betting Strategies
Betting on golf requires careful strategies and an understanding of the sport. In the following section, we will look at various golf betting strategies, from analyzing player performance and tournament conditions to player statistics.
Beginners’ Golf Betting Strategy
Our golf betting guide section for beginners focuses on the basics of sports betting. Here is where you should start your journey when trying to understand how to bet on golf.
- Consider Player Form: Always check a golfer’s recent performances before placing a bet. Consider factors such as fatigue, recent tour schedule, and known injuries. A golfer who’s been playing consistently good is likely to continue that trend, while one who’s been struggling or dealing with an injury might not perform at their best.
- Look at Course Performance: Golfers often have courses where they traditionally perform well, and others where they struggle. Before placing a bet, look at a golfer’s track record on the course where the tournament is being held. It can give you valuable insights into potential outcomes.
- Follow Season Developments: Stay updated with news and developments throughout the golf season. Changes in a golfer’s coaching staff, equipment, or personal life can impact their performance. Following golf news can help you make informed betting decisions.
- Practice Bankroll Management & Bet Tracking: It’s important to keep track of your bets and manage your bankroll effectively. Set a budget for your golf betting activities and stick to it. Never bet more than you can afford to lose, and avoid chasing losses with bigger bets. As you track your bets over time, you will have plenty of data to analyze, giving you valuable insights into what type of bets work the best for you and the kind that you fail to accurately predict.
Intermediate Golf Betting Strategy
As you gain more experience and start becoming more adept at how to bet on golf, you will want to look into the following parameters of golf betting strategy:
- Understand Horses for Courses: This strategy involves evaluating and matching the golf course against a player’s strengths and weaknesses. For instance, golfers who average a longer drive might have an advantage if a course is long and requires a lot of distance off the tee. On the other hand, if a course has narrow fairways and requires precision, golfers known for their accuracy might perform better. Similarly, if a course has a lot of bunkers or water hazards, golfers with excellent recovery and bunker play could have the upper hand.
- Analyze Weather Patterns: Weather can significantly impact a golf game. For example, players teeing off early in the morning might face dew on the grass, which can affect the ball’s roll. Windy conditions can alter the ball’s trajectory, requiring players to adjust their strategy. Players teeing off when there’s no wind can indeed be at an advantage. Similarly, temperature plays a role, too. Hot conditions can make the ball travel further, but they can also make the course hard and fast. On the other hand, cool and calm conditions might make the game easier as the ball doesn’t travel as far, and the course might play softer, providing more control. Considering these factors before placing your bets can help you make better predictions.
Advanced Golf Betting Strategy
Advanced golf bettors can dive deeper into understanding a golfer’s game. This involves taking an analytical and philosophical approach to analyzing a golfer’s skill set and how they match up against the challenges of the course. Here’s a quick overview:
- Gauge the Player’s Skills & Mindset: Look into factors such as a golfer’s driving accuracy, putting skills, recovery play, and their mental toughness. Look at their performance under pressure as well as their consistency and adaptability to different courses and conditions.
- Take a Statistical Approach: In addition, a golfer’s playing statistics can provide valuable insights for betting. Consider key statistical figures like Strokes Gained, Driving Distance, Driving Accuracy, Scrambling, Putting Average, and Greens in Regulation. Matching these figures against the betting options and specific golf courses will give you more data to make precise bets.
For instance, Jon Rahm has a scoring average of 69.85, and you can compare this to the averages of other golfers in the tournament. If his average is significantly lower, it might indicate that he’s in better form than his competitors. Alternatively, you can look at the average scores on the course where the tournament will be held. If the course average is significantly higher than Rahm’s average, it could suggest that he has a good chance of performing well.
What Not to Do When Betting on Golf Online
Golf betting can be a slippery slope when not done right. Mentioned below are a few things to keep in mind when going about betting on golf online.
- Don’t Chase Losses: It’s natural to want to win back money you’ve lost, but trying to immediately recover your losses by placing more bets can lead to even greater losses.
- Don’t Ignore the Conditions: Weather and course conditions can significantly impact a golfer’s performance. Ignoring these factors can lead to poor betting decisions.
- Don’t Bet More Than You Can Afford to Lose: Always set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it. Betting should be viewed as entertainment, not a way to make money.
- Don’t Bet on Impulse: Make sure your bets are based on research and analysis, not on emotions or gut feelings.
- Don’t Ignore Player Form: A golfer’s recent performance is often a good indicator of how they might perform in an upcoming tournament. Ignoring this can lead to misguided bets.
- Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket: It’s tempting to put all your money on one outcome if you feel confident about it, but it’s safer to spread your bets to manage risk.
Golf Betting Tips, Predictions & Picks
When it comes to golf betting, predictions, tips, and picks can be valuable. These insights, often provided by seasoned golf analysts and tipsters, can guide your betting strategy and help you make informed decisions. As a practice, you should follow a few golf prediction sites and tipsters – and combine these with staying up-to-date with golf news.
However, while these picks can provide direction, it’s essential to do your own research and bet responsibly. Remember, even the most informed predictions can’t guarantee positive outcomes.
What Does a Golf Season Look Like?
Several major golf events highlight the season:
- The Masters Tournament: Held annually during the first full week of April at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.
- The U.S. Open: Usually scheduled for mid-June, with the final round played on the third Sunday.
- The Open Championship (British Open): Takes place in July.
- The PGA Championship: Traditionally held in mid-August, but moved to mid-May starting in 2019.
- Ryder Cup: A team event featuring golfers from Europe and the US; held every two years in late September or early October.
These major tournaments are organized by the PGA Tour. It also organizes other events like the Players Championship, the FedEx Cup Playoffs, and the Presidents Cup.
A typical golf tournament lasts four days, from Thursday to Sunday, with one round of 18 holes played each day. This is known as stroke play, where the golfer with the fewest strokes at the end of the four rounds wins. However, the field of competitors is usually cut after the second round (Friday), allowing only the top players to compete in the final two rounds.
That said, there are over 100 golf tournaments globally - giving golf fans plenty of opportunities to find good wagers. Apart from the PGA Tour events, you also have LIV Golf - a rival of sorts to the PGA Tour. LIV Golf has its own set of tournaments featuring a 54-hole format in comparison to the PGA’s 72 and features top-ranked golfers year-round.
Responsible Betting
Golf betting should be done responsibly. It’s crucial to set a budget and stick to it, never betting more than you can afford to lose. Follow the fundamentals of responsible gambling to ensure you don’t go off track. Stay informed, make calculated decisions, and seek help if you feel you might be developing a problem with gambling.
Conclusion
Learning how to bet on golf involves a deep understanding of various aspects of the game. It requires not only knowledge of the sport and its players but also an appreciation for the subtleties of different courses and weather conditions. It’s about making informed decisions based on various factors, from player form and course layout to weather forecasts and tournament schedules. With this, the fundamentals of golf betting must also be looked at - from various bet types to betting strategies. You can become a successful golf bettor by being consistent, patient, and making data-driven bets.
FAQs
Is it possible to place golf bets online?
What are the most popular types of golf bets?
What's the most effective method to bet on golf?
What is 3-ball betting in golf?
What is 2-ball betting in golf?
What happens to a golf bet if the event is suspended?
Expert Guides
More