Learn how to bet on golf with this beginner’s guide. Discover bet types, odds, strategy tips, and where to find value during golf tournaments.
New to golf betting? This beginner-friendly guide explains exactly how to bet on golf, covering everything from markets and odds to smart betting tips. Whether you’re wagering on the Open Championship or a regular PGA Tour event, we’ll help you get started with confidence.
Why Golf Is a Great Sport to Bet On
Golf offers unique opportunities for bettors. Unlike team sports, each player competes individually, which reduces outside variables like team chemistry or coaching decisions. This makes it easier to isolate performance and apply strategic analysis.
The fields are large, which means better odds and more value picks. Plus, there are four full days of action to consider live and pre-match markets. Events are global, running nearly year-round, and no two tournaments are the same.
With experience, you’ll start to recognise which players thrive under pressure, who plays better in wind, and whose game suits certain types of courses. All of this gives golf bettors a real edge if they put the time in.
Understanding the Types of Golf Bets
There are many types of golf bets to choose from, and most are simple once you know what they mean. These are the most popular ones for beginners:
- Outright Winner – Bet on a player to win the tournament.
- Each Way Golf Bet – A split bet: part to win, part to finish in the top 5 or top 10.
- Top 20 / Top 10 or Top 5 – Bet on a player’s finishing position in the leaderboard.
- Match Bet – Pick who scores better between two players (also seen in match play formats).
- Specials – Such as hole-in-one, lowest score, or player ties.
Many sportsbooks also offer group betting markets, where you select one golfer from a mini-group of four or five. Others provide betting on nationality, such as top American, top European, or top Asian player. This is ideal when you’re unsure of a winner but feel confident a player will outperform his peers.
Some sites also allow you to combine multiple golfers in an accumulator across different events. Although riskier, the returns can be significant if multiple selections land.
How to Read a Golf Scorecard
Understanding how to read a golf scorecard can give you insight into how a player is performing. Each hole has a par — typically 3, 4, or 5 — and golfers aim to finish each hole in as few strokes as possible. A birdie means one under par, bogey means one over, and eagle means two under.
For betting, this matters. Final scores determine lowest score, finishing position, or whether player ties affect payouts. In some markets, a tie splits returns. Knowing how scores are built helps you understand where your bet stands.
Beginner Golf Betting Tips
- Study course form: Some players excel on certain courses, especially during specific golf events.
- Weather matters: Wind or rain can heavily influence scores — always check conditions before betting.
- Check recent form: A golfer’s latest results offer clues to their confidence and rhythm.
- Avoid the favourites trap: Just because someone won last week doesn’t mean they’ll do it again.
- Look beyond rankings: A player’s world rank doesn’t guarantee performance in any single round.
Also consider a player’s schedule. If a golfer has just flown in from another continent, fatigue might impact their performance. If they’re skipping a major the following week, they might be more focused on the current tournament.
Glossary of Golf Betting Terms
- Tee Shot: The first shot on a hole, usually from the tee box.
- Each-Way Bet: A wager that pays if a player wins or finishes in a top spot.
- Match Play: A format where two golfers compete hole-by-hole.
- Top 10 Finish: Betting a player will end in the top 10.
- Prop Bet: A side bet such as “Will there be a hole-in-one?”
- Cut Line: The halfway point where players above a score continue; others are eliminated.
- Field Bet: A bet on “the field” vs the top few favourites.
How Golf Betting Odds Work
- Fractional Odds: 10/1 means £10 wins £100 (plus stake).
- Decimal Odds: 11.00 means £10 returns £110.
Odds fluctuate based on betting volume, course updates, and even a first tee shot. Spotting early value is one of the best skills you can develop.
Sample Betting Slip Explained
- Bet: £10 each-way on a player at 25/1
- Outcome: Finishes 4th (within top 5)
- Payout: Win portion loses, place portion pays at 1/4 odds = £62.50 return
Your betting slip will also show the market (e.g. top 10, outright), your stake breakdown, and expected returns.
Example: Smart Betting on the Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup is unique due to its match play format and team dynamics. You can bet on individual player duels, top point scorers, or lowest score in a session. With national pride on the line, form and momentum play a bigger role than rankings.
What Makes Golf Different from Horse Racing or Other Sports
Unlike horse races, golf unfolds over several days and dozens of holes. That makes outcomes more volatile and gives underdogs room to shine. You’re not betting on speed, but on consistency, decision-making, and how well a player suits the course.
Golf betting also allows time to hedge, cash out, or adjust strategy as the rounds develop. Events are long, and sharp bettors use stats like strokes gained and driving accuracy to inform real-time decisions.
Common Questions for Beginners
- Can I bet live? Yes — live golf betting lets you respond to leaderboard changes in real time.
- Do golf and horse races compare? Both involve many players, but golf offers deeper stats and strategy.
- Is it better to bet early or wait? Both have value. Early bets offer longer odds, late bets offer more insight.
Looking for offers? Our sports betting platform gives you access to exclusive odds and bonuses during the biggest golf events.
Final Thoughts
Golf betting blends research, instinct, and timing. Whether you’re backing a favourite at the PGA Championship or an outsider at a smaller event, the thrill lies in making informed picks. You don’t need to be a golf expert to enjoy betting, but every bit of insight can improve your odds of success.
Explore more betting options at our Golf Betting & Odds page for deeper insights, previews, and live markets.
👉 Want to give yourself an edge before betting? Head to our Promotions Page to profit from the latest sports betting offers.
