It’s been an exciting golf season with first-time major champions, playoffs, and even a golfer who had one of the best seasons in history since Tiger Woods.
If you want to get in on the action and excitement but aren’t sure how golf betting works, we have a brief overview to help you see what it’s all about.
If you are new to golf betting, these essential tips can get you started and help you find some early success before you find your groove.
1) Understand Different Types of Bets
Before you start placing golf bets, it’s important to understand the various types of bets you can place. The most common and the one you likely know about is the outright winner bet; however, some other options may include.
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Top 10 finishes
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Daily leaders/low rounds
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Matchups - one player performing better than another
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Prop bets - which involve specific outcomes like a hole-in-one, etc
There is no right or wrong way to do this. However, as you start placing your bets, you may get a feel for a certain type of bet you are good at making. Use that to your advantage and look at the variety of options you have.
2) Learn How to Read Golf Odds
Most golf bets are presented as fractional odds. For instance, a golf bet of 10/1 means that for every £1 you bet, you’ll win £10 if your bet is successful.
The greater the odds a player has of winning a tournament, the less money you will win by betting on them.
Golfers who enter the event with little chance of winning may receive larger payouts if they play well or win. Being comfortable with odds formats is essential for tracking your bets and understanding your potential returns.
3) Research Player and Course History
Are golf betting picks random? Is there really a way to tell who is going to play best? Absolutely.
You can do quite a bit of research into the player, especially when playing a course for the second or even third time.
Some players have a course that suits them well, and they play well year after year. For example, a player who has never missed a cut at a particular event over the years could be somebody to look at for a top-10 finish.
You’ll also be able to look at courses like links style or something that requires more precision shots and see which players tend to handle those golf courses the best. A long course may be a good option for golfers with lots of distance off the tee.
4) Consider Weather and Outside Conditions
Staying on top of the details of a golf event in the days before it can make a big difference in the effectiveness of your bet. Wind, rain, and even temperature changes can impact a player's performance.
Take a look at the playing field and do some research into which players handle things like windy conditions or inclement weather.
Golf is a much different game when the rain gear comes out! Some players handle it well and accept the additional challenge, while others struggle.
5) Start Small
Small bets are a great idea if you are new to golf betting. They allow you to learn the ropes without the risk of spending too much money.
As you gain more experience and become up to date with the players on the PGA, LIV, or even DP World Tour and their weekly performances, it’s easy to increase the amount you bet.
6) Avoid Betting on Big Names Only
If you followed the 2024 golf season, you know that Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele dominated.
They were at the top of the leaderboard in almost anything they played, and because of that, the odds were always in their favour.
While it is tempting to bet on these players, in the end, it could be a much lower payout if you were to win. Look at some players under the radar that can offer higher returns. Golfers' games tend to run hot and cold.
If someone had a strong finish the week before, there is a chance that this week is their week to reach the top of the leaderboard.
7) Use Betting Resources and Apps
Use betting resources like the 888Sport tournament previews and publications to learn some things about the course, the players, and the trends in betting at that time.
There are also forums dedicated to golf betting where you can learn what other golf betters may be having success with. Keep a close eye on player stats and ensure you know how they are trending.
8) Final Tip For Betting On Golf
Golf betting can make you feel like you are inside the ropes and more involved with every golf tournament you watch.
Learning what it takes to make a smart bet and then using that knowledge as the season progresses can help you see what makes betting on golf so enjoyable.
For those who like stats, odds, and following their favourite players closely, golf betting is a great fit.
*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*
