Understanding Golf Betting Markets
Golf betting markets offer a diverse range of options for those looking to bet on golf. These markets encompass various types of wagers, from predicting tournament winners to more specific outcomes within a golf event.
The landscape of golf betting has evolved significantly, particularly with the rise of online platforms, making it easier for bettors to engage with different aspects of the sport.
Golf tournaments, especially those on the PGA Tour, provide numerous betting opportunities throughout the year. Each event presents a unique set of challenges and conditions, which can influence betting strategies and odds. Understanding these markets is crucial for anyone looking to bet on golf effectively.
Types of Golf Bets
When it comes to golf betting, there are several types of bets available to choose from.
Each type of bet offers a different way to engage with the sport and potentially profit from your predictions. The most common types include outright winner bets, place finish bets, and matchup bets.
| Bet Type | Description | Typical Odds Range |
|---|---|---|
| Outright Winner | Predict the tournament winner | 10/1 to 100/1+ |
| Top-5 Finish | Player to finish in top 5 | 3/1 to 20/1 |
| Head-to-Head | Bet on which of two players will perform better | Even to 2/1 |
These betting options allow for varying levels of risk and reward, catering to different betting styles and preferences. Some bets focus on the overall tournament outcome, while others concentrate on specific aspects of a player's performance or head-to-head comparisons.
Outright Winner Bets
Outright winner bets are among the most straightforward and popular types of golf bets. In this market, bettors attempt to predict which player will win the entire tournament.
This type of bet typically offers higher odds due to the difficulty of correctly predicting the winner from a large field of competitors.
Major tournaments like the PGA Championship or events held at prestigious venues like Augusta National Golf Club often attract more attention in this betting market.
Place Finish Bets
Place finish bets offer a bit more flexibility than outright winner bets. With these bets, you're wagering on a player to finish within a certain position range, such as the top 5, top 10, or top 20.
Many bettors use place finish bets as a way to hedge their outright winner bets or to back players they believe will perform well but may not necessarily win the tournament.
Matchup Bets
Matchup bets focus on the performance of two players relative to each other, rather than their overall finish in the tournament.
These can be head-to-head matchups for a single round or for the entire tournament. In a matchup bet, you're wagering on which of the two selected players will have the better score.
This type of bet allows you to focus on specific players and their relative strengths.
Matchup bets can offer more predictable outcomes compared to outright winner bets, as you're only concerned with how two players perform against each other, regardless of their overall tournament position.
Where to Place a Golf Bet
There are various options available for those looking to place a golf bet. Traditional brick-and-mortar sportsbooks continue to be popular, especially in areas where sports betting is well-established.
However, the rise of online betting sites has significantly expanded access to golf betting markets for many people.
That vast majority of online sportsbooks now offer mobile apps, making it convenient to place bets and track odds in real-time during golf tournaments.
Specialty Golf Betting Markets
Specialty golf betting markets offer unique wagering opportunities beyond traditional bets.
These markets can include bets on specific events within a tournament, such as whether there will be a hole-in-one, the nationality of the winner, or the winning margin. The Ryder Cup, for example, presents its own set of specialty markets due to its team format.
It's important to note that these markets may have different odds structures and potentially lower liquidity compared to more mainstream betting options
Prop Bets
Prop bets, short for proposition bets, are wagers on specific events or outcomes within a golf tournament that may not directly relate to the final result.
These can range from betting on whether a particular player will make the cut to predicting if there will be a playoff. Prop bets often focus on statistical outcomes, such as the number of birdies a player will make or the longest drive in a round.
These bets are way to engage with multiple aspects of a tournament beyond just the winner.
Live Golf Betting
Live golf betting, also known as in-play betting, allows bettors to place wagers as a tournament unfolds. This dynamic form of betting offers the opportunity to react to events on the course in real-time.
Live bets can include updated outright winner odds, round leader predictions, or even bets on the outcome of a single hole for a specific player.
Many betting sites now offer live streaming of golf tournaments, which can be particularly useful for those engaging in live betting.
Live golf betting odds can fluctuate rapidly based on current play. Understanding how different scenarios impact odds can help inform your live betting strategy.
Golf Betting Odds and Terminology
Understanding golf betting odds and terminology is crucial for anyone looking to bet on golf effectively.
Odds can be presented in different formats, including decimal, fractional, and American odds. These odds represent the potential payout for a successful bet and can vary between different betting sites.
Common terms in golf betting include "each-way bet," which is a bet on a player to either win or place within a specified number of positions, typically the top 5 or 6.
"Dead heat rules" come into play when players are tied for a position that affects the payout of place bets.
Familiarizing yourself with these terms and how odds work is essential for making informed betting decisions.
Golf Betting Strategies and Tips
Developing effective golf betting strategies involves a combination of research, analysis, and disciplined bankroll management.
One common strategy is to focus on players who have performed well at certain courses in the past, as some golfers tend to excel at specific types of layouts. Another approach is to look for value in longer odds, particularly in tournaments with strong fields where even top players might be offered at attractive prices.
Many successful golf bettors emphasize the importance of patience and not overreacting to short-term results, as golf is a sport where variance can play a significant role in outcomes.
Pre-Tournament Research
Conducting thorough pre-tournament research is a crucial step in making informed golf bets.
This research should encompass a range of factors, including player form, course history, statistical performance in relevant categories (such as driving accuracy or putting), and any recent changes in a player's equipment or coaching team.
Additionally, understanding the specific challenges posed by the tournament's course can help identify players whose strengths align well with the demands of the layout.
While past performance at a course can be a valuable indicator, be cautious of overvaluing historical results, especially if they occurred several years ago or if course conditions have changed significantly.
Building a Card
Building a betting card for a golf tournament involves selecting a mix of bets that balance risk and potential reward.
A typical card might include a combination of outright winner bets, each-way bets, and perhaps some matchup or prop bets. The goal is to create a diverse set of wagers that gives you multiple chances to profit while managing your overall risk.
It's also wise to keep your total stake within your predetermined budget, regardless of how many attractive betting opportunities you identify.
Golf Betting FAQs
Golf Bets
How do golf bets work?
Golf bets typically involve wagering on various outcomes in a golf tournament, from predicting the overall winner to more specific events within the competition.
Each-Way Bets
What is an each-way bet in golf?
An each-way bet in golf is a two-part bet: half the stake is on the player to win, and half is on the player to finish within a specified number of places (usually top 5 or 6).
Dead Heat Rules
How do dead heat rules affect golf betting?
Dead heat rules come into play when multiple players tie for a position that affects bet payouts. In these cases, the payout is typically divided among the tied players.
Individual Round Betting
Can you bet on individual rounds in a golf tournament?
Yes, many sportsbooks offer betting markets for individual rounds, including round leader bets and round matchups between specific players.
Factors to Consider
What factors should I consider when betting on golf?
Key factors to consider include a player's recent form, their history at the specific course, weather conditions, statistical performance in relevant categories, and the overall strength of the tournament field.
Related Articles
Meet our Authors
Paruyr Shahbazyan
Paruyr Shahbazyan started his business career as an entrepreneur in 2000. Over 13 years, he learned business and leadership, which laid the foundation for his career.
In 2013, Paruyr entered the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating, an online media platform he led until 2020. The platform focuses on in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting and has gained a reputation for quality content.
In 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This shows his commitment to technology in the sports betting space. Through all these experiences, Paruyr has been shaping and influencing the betting industry, setting new trends and standards.
Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports.
Strategic Vision
Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports entertainment industry by integrating technology. He sees the future of sports entertainment as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. He aims to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical reporting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable sports culture.
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
With 20+ years of writing experience across sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups, Sol brings a broad understanding to his role as Editor-in-Chief at RG. His work provides clear, factual information to help readers make informed decisions about gambling. Sol’s approach is about transparency and research, so the content at RG is straightforward, evidence-based, and accessible.
At RG, Sol keeps the focus on the reader by maintaining a standard of reliability and integrity in the information shared. Under his editorial direction, RG aims to provide practical insights into sports and sports entertainment that support a balanced and informed approach. Sol’s approach has helped RG become a go-to source for readers looking to engage responsibly and thoughtfully in the industry.
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project
“Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.
Nick Ashbourne
Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game in 1998, and he's been writing about them professionally since 2014.
Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports while growing his expertise in sports data analysis and research.
Between 2022 and 2023, he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets. In 2024, he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the RG team.
Sergey Demidov
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.
Anna Kravtcova
Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.
Mark Medina
Mark Medina is a longtime NBA reporter that includes stints as a Lakers blogger with The Los Angeles Times (2010-12), Lakers beat writer with the Los Angeles Daily News (2012-17), Warriors beat writer with Bay Area News Group (2017-19) as well as an NBA reporter/columnist for USA Today (2019-21) and NBA.com (2021-23). Medina is also an NBA insider with Fox Sports Radio and frequent contributor to CBSLA's SportsCentralLA with Jim Hill and with Spectrum Sportsnet.
Daria Tuboltseva
Daria went to St. Petersburg State University and earned a bachelor of international journalism. Working as a sports journalist from 2014, from 2016 as a hockey journalist. Covered 5 World Championships, 2022 Winter Olympics, 2020 World Juniors, 6 Gagarin Cup Finals.
Owner of a telegram channel Coolest Game on Earth.
Integrative nutritionist specializing on sports nutritionology.
Paul M. Banks
Paul M. Banks is a professional Content Creator whose career has seen bylines in numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Yahoo, MSN, FOX Sports and Sports Illustrated.
Banks has made scores of guest appearances on live radio and television, featuring regularly on NTD News, WGN-TV, CCTV, ESPN Radio, the History Channel, SiriusXM and CBS Sports Radio.
He is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank.net, which has been featured and linked in hundreds of leading media outlets all across the world.
He has also authored two books, one of which, "No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in Sports Media," became an assigned textbook in journalism courses at State University New York-Oneonta.
Marco D'Amico
Marco D'Amico is a beat reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft, while also being a recurring guest on TSN690 and BPM Sports. His work primarily on NHL CBA breakdowns and prospect analysis, all while covering the Montreal Canadiens on a day-to-day basis.
Crissy Froyd
Crissy Froyd is a sports reporter of over 10 years who specializes in quarterback analysis at the high school, college and NFL level. She was mentored by Mike Leach and learned the Air Raid offense and quarterback evaluation largely under the legendary head coach. Froyd has appeared in and worked with multiple publications, including USA TODAY SMG, Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports and Saturday Down South. She also covers canine journalism for Showsight Magazine and resides in Wisconsin with her three dogs -- two German Shepherds named Faxon and Bo Nix, and one Siberian Husky named Stetson "Balto" Bennett.
Brendon R. Elliott
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
Garrett Kerman
Garrett Kerman is an American sports writer specializing in MMA, boxing, and betting news. He has established himself as a prominent voice in combat sports journalism, providing expert analysis and breaking news. Kerman has covered major events and conducted interviews with notable figures in the industry, showcasing his extensive knowledge and passion for the sport. His insights are widely sought after by fans and bettors alike.
Simon Head
Simon is a sports journalist and MMA reporter with 25+ years' experience covering sports and 15+ years covering mixed martial arts as one of the UK's longest-tenured MMA journalists. He also has more than a decade of experience working in the betting and gaming industry.
He has provided coverage for a plethora of major sports outlets, including BBC Sport, USA Today, Daily Mirror and BT Sport, and has covered Olympic Games, World Cups, FA Cup Finals and UFC title fights during his career.
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi is a sports reporter who focuses on football, basketball and pro wrestling. He has covered some of the biggest sporting events, including the NBA Finals and Wrestlemania and often interviews high-profile athletes on a weekly basis. Siddiqi has interviewed the likes of Dan Marino, Emmitt Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, Tony Hawk and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His previous experience includes working as a lead NBA writer at CBS Sports and 247 Sports in addition to working as a beat reporter covering the NFL and the Denver Broncos at Bleacher Report. Follow Siddiqi for exclusive one-on-one interviews and analysis on key topics in sports
Alex Kennedy
Alex Kennedy is an NBA reporter, editor and podcaster. He has covered the NBA for the last 19 years, writing for ESPN, HoopsHype, USA TODAY Sports, Bleacher Report, and Basketball News among others. As the Chief Content Officer at Basketball News, he built and managed the staff, which consisted of journalists and former NBA players. His Twitter account is featured in NBA 2K each year.
Mike Rosenberg
Mike made the decision to dive headfirst into the booming world of sports betting fresh out of college. Back in the day, when 1-800 pick lines and sports pagers were all the rage, he couldn't resist the allure, having grown up idolizing sports legends like Sweetness, MJ, and Slammin Sammy. Mike dedicated his early years to the industry, tirelessly analyzing games, writing articles with free picks, and selling his expertise on reputable handicapping sites. Unlike many others, Mike was known for his integrity and only released one Game of the Year per sport, per season. His hard work and unwavering commitment paid off, earning him a devoted following and propelling his career to new heights. Then came the explosion of Daily Fantasy Sports. Believe it or not, companies like DraftKings and FanDuel used to pay Mike's company to increase their brand exposure. Now, those same industry giants don't even bother responding to his emails. While Mike appreciates the convenience of being able to place legal bets in his own backyard, he can't help but feel disheartened by what has become of the industry. People are being led astray, falsely believing that a mere $5 wager on a 20-team same-game-parlay will be their ticket to financial security. If there’s one thing Mike learned from making book back in the day, it’s that parlays are a bookie’s best friend. A bankroll is the only leg you have to stand on in the battle with the books, and Mike’s here to offer up advice on how to protect it.
Nikhil Narain
Nikhil Narain is a die-hard cricket romantic, published author, and has worked for some of the leading digital websites and broadcasters in India and overseas. An alumnus of the London School of Economics, Nikhil's forte is using data and numbers creatively to weave interesting stories and revolutionize the way cricket statistics are generated and analyzed.
Spencer Davies
Spencer Davies has covered the NBA and the Cleveland Cavaliers as a credentialed reporter for the past nine seasons. His work has appeared on Basketball News, Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated, USA Today, FOX Sports, HoopsHype, CloseUp360, FanSided and Basketball Insiders among others. In addition to his work in journalism, he has been a senior editor, a digital production assistant, social media manager and a sports radio anchor and producer.
Erik Uebelacker
Erik Uebelacker is a legal reporter for Courthouse News Service, where he covers high-profile trials in New York City. In his spare time, he likes to write about people punching each other in the face.
James Murphy
With 24 years of experience (SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, ESPN Boston, NESN, NHL.com, etc.) covering the Bruins, the NHL, NCAA and junior hockey, and more, Jimmy Murphy’s hockey black book is filled with Hall of Famers, current players, coaches, management, scouts and a wide array of hockey media personalities that have lived in and around this great game. For 22 of his 24 years as a hockey and sports reporter, Murphy covered the Bruins on a daily basis, including their victorious 2011 Stanley Cup run and their runs to the 2013 and 2019 Finals. Murphy is currently a co-host, along with Pierre McGuire, on The Eye Test Podcast.
Ryan Murray
Ryan Murray is an experienced sports journalist specializing in European Soccer, with extensive knowledge of the continent's top leagues and players. Having provided text for official UEFA Champions League merchandise and written for coveted publications such as Readers Digest, Footballer's Life, and the Asian Standard, Ryan brings considerable expertise to RG.org. Ryan has also produced content for high-profile betting companies, including Paddy Power, Betfair, PlayStar, and LeoVegas.
Pat Pickens
Pat Pickens is a veteran sportswriter who has been covering pro sports for the past 11-plus years, with bylines in Associated Press, New York Times, USA Today and more. He is the author of the 2021 non-fiction book “The Whalers,” about the history of the NHL’s Hartford Whalers.
Zach Lowy
Zach Lowy is a freelance football journalist who has written for leading outlets like FotMob, BetUS, Apuestas Deportivas, and who has appeared as a radio and television guest for BBC, SiriusXMFC, and various other platforms. After pursuing a global sports journalism degree at George Washington University, Zach has been able to tap into his multilingual background and interview major footballing figures in Spanish and Portuguese as well as operate the weekly podcast 'Zach Lowy's European Football Show' on BET Central.
Doug Bonjour
Doug is a seasoned sports writer/editor with bylines for the New York Times, Associated Press and CBS Sports. He also has extensive experience in the betting industry, including work for Point Spreads. Prior to that, he covered UConn women's basketball and football for Hearst Connecticut Media.
Kelvin Loyola
Content writer and journalist, boasting over 20 years of experience in sports journalism and marketing. Kelvin covered a wide array of sports including the USMNT, MLS, Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and Liga MX, as well as the NBA, MLB, NHL, and various entertainment topics.
Nate Duffett
Nate Duffett is a Canadian sports writer who specializes in hockey. He started his writing career in the betting space but has since branched out into more journalism, including analysis and news from the NHL, MLB, NFL, and NCAA. You can find his other work at ClutchPoints, but RG will be his official home for exclusive content and analysis on critical topics in sports. In his spare time, Nate is also involved in the hockey scouting and coaching world, with these interests shining through in some of his pieces. You can come to Nate's work for his hockey analysis but stick around when he dabbles into other sports during the slower times.
Igor Rabiner
Igor Rabiner has written for Sport-Express, the biggest Russian sports website, since 1994. He has covered seven FIFA World Cups, seven Winter Olympics, and three Summer Olympics. He is the author of 28 books with total sales of over 500,000 copies. He won an AIPS Sport Media Award for best column and interviewed exclusively Pele, Wayne Gretzky, Franz Beckenbauer, Alex Ovechkin and many other soccer, ice hockey, and tennis superstars. From 2016 to 2021, he has regularly contributed to the Russian version of NHL.com. Has contributed to The Guardian, British soccer magazine The Blizzard, and other world publications. One of the authors of the encyclopedia 'Kings of Ice," which came out in North America in 2002. From 2013 to 2021, Rabiner was a co-owner and teacher in a private sports journalism school in Russia. He has 56,500 followers on X and over 25,000 readers on Telegram, Facebook and Instagram.
Piers Edwards
Piers Edwards is an international journalist, broadcaster, and commentator with over 25 years of experience covering global sport. Having worked for the BBC and CNN among others, Piers has regularly delivered high-impact content to a vast global audience. A former BBC World radio and TV presenter, he is an expert on international football, particularly in Europe, Africa – where he works as a commentator for the Confederation of African Football – and Asia. He has also worked on several investigations, exposing corruption in global football administration, the trafficking of minors and, among others, sexual abuse in sport.
Blain Potvin
Blain's work has been found in The Daily Mirror, Rocket Sports, Crier Media, the Score and many other sites. For over 7 years he has been a journalist and podcaster covering the IIHF, CHL, NHL, the Montreal Canadiens and its affiliates. He has made appearances on various television and radio stations as well as podcasts to discuss the Canadiens, and the NHL.
Aaron WIlson
Aaron Wilson is an award-winning Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and www.click2houston.com. He has covered the NFL since 1997, including previous stints for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. This marks his 10th year covering the Texans after previously covering a Super Bowl winning team in Baltimore. He has also covered the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. A Washington, D.C. native, Wilson played college football at East Carolina University where he was a linebacker. Aaron and his wife live in Houston and enjoy traveling and trying new restaurants.
Grant Afseth
Grant Afseth is a Dallas-based basketball writer with over eight years of experience covering the NBA. He’s spent time on the Mavericks beat for Sports Illustrated and now writes for Sportskeeda.com and DallasHoopsJournal.com. Known for his analysis, engaging interviews, and breaking news coverage, Grant provides a fresh angle to the game.
Jim Biringer
Having 10 years of experience (SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, Rod Pedersen Show, Raw Mike Richards Show, and more) covering the Devils, the NHL along with College Football, the NFL, and the tennis circuit Jim Biringer has wealth of sports knowledge. As one of Jim's hockey coaches put it he is a "student of the game." During his time as a sports reporter, Biringer has covered some of the biggest events including most recently the 2024 Stanley Cup Final along with several NHL Drafts. He is also the host of the Full Press Hockey Podcast and Final Word on Hockey plus Around Campus - The College Football Podcast.
