The four men’s majors are where legends are made — and where smart bettors find edges. This guide to betting on golf majors breaks down course profiles, golf betting markets, odds angles and timing for the Masters, Open Championship, PGA Championship and US Open.
New to betting? Start with How to Bet on Golf and brush up on formats in Golf Betting Odds Explained. For tactics, see Top Golf Betting Strategies. Live markets are on our hub: Golf Betting & Odds.
Masters Betting (Augusta National)
Masters betting centres on a fixed venue: Augusta National. Course knowledge matters; approach play into sloped greens and confident putting on fast, undulating surfaces are consistent differentiators.
- Markets: Outright, Each-Way, Top 5/10/20, Round Leader, Matchups.
- Angles: Repeat course form, strong approach/short-game, Par-5 scoring.
- Timing: Early lines can underrate past Augusta specialists; extra places often appear tournament week.
Open Championship Odds (Links Golf)
Open Championship odds reflect classic links variables: wind, firm turf, uneven bounces. Shot-making and creativity matter as much as raw distance.
- Markets: Outright/Each-Way, Top Nationality, Weather-wave matchups.
- Angles: Proven links record, low-flight ball strikers, patient scramblers.
- Timing: Monitor forecasts; wave edges can move prices quickly.
PGA Championship Betting (Deepest Field)
PGA Championship betting features one of the year’s deepest fields on major-style setups. Tee-to-green strength is usually rewarded.
- Markets: Outright/Each-Way, Finish positions, H2H matchups.
- Angles: Strokes-gained approach + off-the-tee, recent high-level form.
- Timing: Openers can misprice in-form ball strikers before limits tighten.
US Open Golf Betting (Ultimate Test)
US Open golf betting revolves around difficult, penal setups: narrow fairways, thick rough, demanding greens. Scoring is often at or near par.
- Markets: Outright/Each-Way, Make/Miss Cut (if offered), Winning score lines, Matchups.
- Angles: Accuracy, elite approach, lag putting; bogey avoidance can be a market edge.
- Timing: Numbers on accurate drivers hold value; finishing-position markets reduce variance.
Majors vs Regular Events: What Changes?
- Field strength: Majors compress the top end; outright prices are tighter at the front.
- Place terms: Extra places are common — improving each-way EV.
- Volatility: Tougher setups increase variance; finish-position markets smooth swings.
- Pricing speed: Headlines and weather move lines faster — avoid chasing steam.
Cross-Major Betting Tips
- Run a value test: Compare your probability to the implied price before every bet.
- Match market to profile: Long-price upside → Outright/Each-Way; steady contenders → Top 10/20; edges vs individuals → H2H.
- Mind the weather: Especially at the Open; wave edges favour H2H and round-leader bets.
- Bankroll management: 0.5%–2% per standard stake. Don’t scale up because it’s a major.
For a deeper strategy refresher, read Top Golf Betting Strategies That Work. Interested in international events? See our Olympic Golf Betting Guide: Paris 2025.
FAQs
Which major is most volatile for betting? The Open often shows the most weather-driven variance; finishing-position markets can help manage risk.
Is Each-Way best at the majors? Extra places and big fields often make Each-Way attractive, but compare fractions and places per book.
When should I place bets? Openers for mispriced form/fit; tournament week for extra places; live for genuine weather/wave edges.
Where to Next?
- How to Bet on Golf: A Beginner’s Guide
- Golf Betting Odds Explained
- Top Golf Betting Strategies
- Live Golf Betting: How to Bet In-Play (coming soon)
- Golf Betting & Odds Hub
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