Each-Way Betting in Golf: What It Means & When to Use It

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golf scorecard with pencil and betting slip showing each-way terms

Each-way betting in golf is one of the most popular ways to manage risk and unlock better returns — especially in major golf tournaments where the fields are large and unpredictable. In simple terms, an each-way bet splits your stake into two parts: one to win, and one to place.

This guide breaks down how each way bets work in golf, when to use them, how to interpret place terms in golf betting, and how to compare odds and value across markets.

What Is an Each-Way Bet in Golf?

An each-way (E/W) bet is essentially a win and place bet combined. Half of your stake goes on your golfer to win outright. The other half goes on them to finish in one of the designated places — usually Top 5, Top 6, or Top 8, depending on the sportsbook.

Bet £10 each-way = £10 win + £10 place = £20 total stake
Win: full odds payout
Place: reduced odds payout, based on bookmaker terms (e.g., 1/5 or 1/4)

This type of golf bet rewards consistency — it’s ideal for players who may not win often but frequently land in the top finishing positions.

Understanding Place Terms in Golf Betting

When you place an each-way golf bet, your place payout depends on two factors: the number of finishing spots covered, and the fraction of the odds used. These are known as the place terms, and they vary between events and bookmakers.

Common place terms: 1/5 for Top 5 or Top 8; 1/4 for Top 4 or Top 6
Better terms often appear in majors — some books offer Top 10 or even Top 12
Always read the E/W terms before placing your bet

Let’s say you back a player at 40/1 each-way with 1/5 odds for Top 8. If they finish 6th, your place part wins at 8/1 (40 ÷ 5), giving you a solid return even if they don’t win.

When to Use Each-Way Bets in Golf

Each-way bets make the most sense in events with deep fields and unpredictable outcomes — where golf betting odds are higher and volatility is part of the equation. This makes them a strong option for:

Major golf tournaments: Like the Open or PGA Championship, with large fields and longshot winners
Courses that favour underdogs: Tracks with weather volatility or unusual setups
Backing form players at big prices: If a golfer is trending well but not quite winning

Because E/W bets provide upside even without a win, they’re often used in value betting in golf strategies — particularly when spotting mispriced outsiders in the golf markets.

Comparing Each-Way Offers Across Sportsbooks

Not all each-way offers are equal. Some sportsbooks boost place terms, others cut the odds fraction. That’s why it pays to compare:

Top 5 @ 1/4 odds vs Top 8 @ 1/5 odds: Which suits your player profile better?
Some books may offer Top 10 but at reduced odds — run the numbers before committing
Always check if extra places apply to full field or only selected markets

This is where true edge lies — turning decent selections into long-term +EV by combining smart picks with optimal e/w terms.

Each-Way Betting Examples

Example 1: £10 each-way on a 25/1 golfer, with 1/5 odds, Top 6 finish terms

Total stake: £20 (£10 win + £10 place)
Golfer wins: Win = £250, Place = £50 → Total return: £300
Golfer finishes 4th: Win = £0, Place = £50 → Total return: £50

Example 2: £5 each-way on an 80/1 longshot, with 1/5 odds, Top 8 finish

Total stake: £10
Golfer finishes 6th: Place bet wins at 16/1 (80 ÷ 5) → £80 profit + £5 stake = £85 return

Should You Always Bet Each-Way?

Not necessarily. For shorter odds favourites (e.g., 8/1 or lower), the place payout may not justify the extra stake. If you’re confident a golfer will win or go close, backing them outright might offer better value than splitting the stake.

Each-way is a useful tool — not a default setting. Use it when the profile and price fit. That’s when it shines.