Mastering Golf Betting: A Beginner's Guide to Markets, Strategy, and Smart Wagers
While many may see golf as a game for the rich, it's in fact one of the earliest sporting activities on the planet. Modern golf has its roots back in the 15th century, with origins in Ancient Rome, Persia, and China. Golf clubs became available by the 18th century, and official rules governing the game were established. Golf is a highly popular sport in the present time, with large tournaments held annually. The most popular golf tournaments are the Masters, the PGA Championship, US Open, and the Open Championship (or British Open). Masters golf betting is becoming more popular with supporters and punters, offering exciting means of wagering on one of the sport's most revered competitions. The players compete for highly respected prizes and amounts that easily exceed eight figures.
Wherever there's competition, betting tends to follow. If you want to bet on golf tournaments, you will find a wide range of markets to choose from—most of which have the potential to yield handsome rewards. You don't have to be an expert on golf to place bets, but being one is a strongly recommended option. Yet, if you are new to the lovely sport of golf, don't panic—you will quickly find out all you need to know about the sport and how to bet on it.
Golf betting markets
Golf tournament wagering is truly a unique offer. Contrary to the usual head-to-head sport, golfers do not actually compete head-to-head. Major tournaments are played out over four rounds of 18 holes each, stroke play. That is, whoever accumulates the lowest aggregate strokes through the tournament wins—perhaps not the person who wins the majority of the holes. After the second round, the top 50 golfers "make the cut" and move on to the weekend games, while the rest are eliminated.
With this format in consideration, below are the major golf betting markets:
- Outright Winner
- Place Bets
- Each-Way Bets
- Against the Field
- Head-to-Head Matchups
- Three-Ball Matchups
- To Make the Cut
- Prop Bets
- Alternative Outrights
There are numerous factors to consider when gambling on golf tournaments. As there are more than 100 players in most tournaments, odds on even favorites can be quite substantial. Some wagers, however, have fewer possible outcomes and can offer safer opportunities.
Outright Winner
The straight-out market is as straightforward as it gets: you choose which player you believe will win the tournament. These bets are normally available weeks in advance of the tournament. Odds will fluctuate, but you will get a good price on your choice before the tournament gets underway.
Due to the big field, it is generally possible to find favorable odds. Favorites will typically go from 7.0 to 10.0 (or higher), but keep in mind these odds are high for a reason—there are a lot of great players always competing.
Each-Way Bets
Each-way bets split your stake in two: one for the win, and one for placing in a given position. Most gamblers prefer each-way bets as they give you a combination of reward and protection.
For example, if you bet on Rory McIlroy at the US Open with the following odds:
- Rory McIlroy to win: 10.1
- Rory McIlroy top 5: 5.0
A $10 each-way bet ($5 staked for each, win and place) would look something like this:
- If McIlroy wins, the place component pays $50.50 (5 × 10.1) and the win component pays $17 (5 × 3.4), for a total of $67.50.
- If McIlroy places only, you receive $17 on the place component.
Every-way bets provide you with good protection while preserving good upside if your player wins.
Against the Field
This is the opposite of an outright winner bet. You bet against a single golfer, which means any other player must win. While the odds may be lower than they are for an outright bet, this market can be a safer bet if there is a number of strong contenders.
Head-to-Head Matchups
Although golfers don't play head-to-head, head-to-head matchups are built by betting markets in which you select one of two players to place higher. Your selection doesn't need to win the tournament—just place higher than the other.
With only two outcomes, the odds will be shorter, but the market is very popular among seasoned bettors.
Three-Ball Matchups
As with head-to-head, this market has three entrants. You wager on who is most likely to top the list. With three choices, the odds are higher, and punters often like this market because it is a value bet.
To Make the Cut
You are also able to bet on whether a player will "make the cut"—i.e., finish in the top 50 halfway through the competition and play over the weekend. Favorites for the book on this will be low, or even zero, so this market is best explored with players in the middle order or up-and-coming stars who can perform well.
Prop Bets
Prop bets (or proposition bets) are bets on specific outcomes or statistics in the course of a tournament. They can be for single rounds or the whole event. Not all sportsbooks offer golf prop bets, but those who do typically have a comprehensive list of creative choices.
Examples:
- Total birdies, eagles, or bogeys
- Will a hole-in-one occur?
- Margin of victory
- Playoff scenarios (e.g., sudden death)
Alternative Outrights
Sportsbooks do bet not just on the eventual winner. There are wagers on:
- Top American, British, Chinese, or Canadian player
- Best player under 25 years
- Top amateur
These specialty markets offer excellent value if you are familiar with them.
Conclusion
Most sportsbooks offer cover for the four major golf tournaments along with several other significant events during the year. Not all of them will offer the entire list above, however. A well-run sportsbook should offer most—if not all—of them.
With all the information at your disposal now, you're more capable of placing smart bets and take advantage of the many opportunities that lie in the realm of golf betting. Be sure to do your research, understand your risks, and above all—have fun watching the tournaments and gamble responsibly.
