How to Bet on Golf Tournaments: Win on Your Next Bet

 

When it comes to choosing players at a golf tournament, there several different ways to narrow down the field when learning about how to bet on golf tournaments. Understanding the historical sports betting trends of a particular tournament is the best way to begin. Consider the Masters field in 2015. There were 98 entrants in the tournament, but there were several features of the course that made picking a winner simpler than it is for many other tournaments. The length of the course layout poses a particular challenge, and the difficulty of the layout also makes it easier to narrow down the potential winner.

 

How to Bet on Golf Tournaments?
Sports Betting 101: Maximize Your Winnings on Every Tournament!

How to Bet on Sports | MyBookie wants you to be a better gambler with our Sports Betting Guide

   

Learning How to Bet on Golf with MyBookie

Golf betting has become one of the fastest-growing markets in sports wagering.

With tournaments played nearly every week, bettors have constant opportunities to place wagers on their favorite players.

Unlike team sports, where outcomes are decided by collective performance, golf is an individual sport, making it a unique betting experience.

The large fields in tournaments provide a wide range of odds, from top-ranked favorites to long-shot contenders, creating opportunities for both high-risk and conservative betting strategies.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about betting on golf.

We’ll cover different bet types, group betting rules, and strategies to help you make informed decisions.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to place your first bet or an experienced bettor refining your approach, understanding how to analyze tournaments, players, and course conditions can give you an edge.

With the right knowledge and strategy, golf betting can be both exciting and profitable.

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Introduction to Golf Betting

Golf betting has grown in popularity as sportsbooks continue expanding their offerings.

With tournaments played nearly every week of the year, bettors always have opportunities to place wagers.

From major events like the Masters and US Open to weekly PGA and European Tour events, golf offers plenty of action.

Unlike team sports, golf is an individual competition with large fields.

This makes betting on outright winners challenging but also allows for high payouts.

The difference between a top-ranked golfer and someone ranked outside the top 100 isn’t as wide as in other sports, so long shots have a realistic chance to win.

Beyond picking tournament winners, bettors can wager on finishing positions, matchups, live bets, and prop markets.

Understanding these options and applying the right strategy can help bettors maximize their chances of success.

 

What is Betting on Golf?

Golf betting involves wagering on different outcomes in a tournament.

The most common bets include selecting a golfer to win, finish in a certain position, or perform better than another golfer in a head-to-head matchup.

Since golf doesn’t have traditional point spreads like football or basketball, sportsbooks offer moneyline odds for each player.

Favorites may have odds between +600 and +1200, while long shots can be priced as high as +5000 or more.

Live betting has become increasingly popular in golf.

Odds change throughout the tournament based on how players perform.

If a favorite starts slow, their odds will increase, providing value if they make a comeback.

 

How Do Golf Group Betting Rules Work?

Group betting allows bettors to wager on a subset of golfers rather than the entire tournament field.

Instead of picking one golfer to win, bettors select the best performer from a pre-set group.

Sportsbooks form groups based on world rankings, past performance, or nationality.

Bettors must predict which golfer will finish with the lowest score among the group.

Since these bets involve fewer competitors than the full tournament field, the odds are lower, but the chances of winning are higher.

Group betting rules vary by sportsbook.

Some use stroke play scoring, while others settle ties with dead-heat rules, which reduce payouts in tied situations.

Always check the specific sportsbook’s rules before placing a bet.

 

What is Group Betting in Golf?

Group betting is a way to narrow the betting field.

Instead of picking from over 100 players, bettors can focus on a smaller set, making it easier to predict outcomes.

Some of the most popular group betting formats include:

• Three-Ball Betting: A bet on which golfer will post the lowest score in a group of three for a single round.
• Nationality Betting: Wagering on the top-finishing golfer from a specific country.
• First-Round Leader: Betting on which golfer will lead after the first 18 holes.
• Cut Line Betting: Predicting whether a golfer will make or miss the cut after the first two rounds.

Group betting is a strong option for bettors who prefer a smaller risk pool.

Since you’re only betting against a handful of golfers, it’s easier to research past performances and make informed choices.

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What is a Golf Betting Strategy?

1. Betting on Finishing Positions

Instead of betting on a golfer to win outright, consider placing bets on finishing positions.

Markets such as Top 5, Top 10, and Top 20 give a greater chance of cashing in.

For example, a golfer with +2000 odds to win outright might have +400 odds to finish in the Top 5.

This provides a safer option while still offering good returns.

 

2. Course and Player Analysis

Each golf course has unique challenges.

Some favor long hitters, while others reward accurate iron play.

Studying the course layout and comparing it to a golfer’s strengths can help identify good bets.

For example, Augusta National favors players with strong approach play and a history of success at the Masters.

A short, narrow course like Harbour Town rewards precision rather than driving distance.

 

3. Weather Considerations

Weather plays a huge role in golf betting.

Windy conditions can favor experienced ball strikers, while rain can soften greens, making it easier to attack pins.

Checking the forecast before placing bets is essential.

For instance, if wind is expected on Friday afternoon, betting on players with early tee times on Thursday and Friday could provide an advantage.

 

4. Avoid Betting Just the Favorites

While top-ranked golfers are often favored to win, golf is unpredictable.

Even the best players only win a handful of tournaments each year.

Betting solely on favorites can lead to poor returns over time.

Instead, look for mid-tier players with strong course history and recent form.

These golfers often provide better betting value while still having a good chance to contend.

 

5. Use Each-Way Betting for Long Shots

Each-way betting allows you to split your bet between a golfer winning outright and finishing in the top positions.

This strategy is useful for long-shot bets.

For example, if a golfer is +5000 to win, an each-way bet could still provide a payout if they finish in the top 5 or 10.

It’s a great way to hedge risk while chasing bigger payouts.

 

6. Capitalize on Live Betting

Live betting lets you adjust wagers based on how a tournament unfolds.

If a pre-tournament favorite struggles early, their odds may become more favorable.

Likewise, if a player starts hot but has a history of fading late in tournaments, bettors can hedge their bets or cash out at a profit.

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How to Bet on Golf?

Understanding Bet Types

• Outright Winner:
  Betting on a player to win the tournament.
• Each-Way
  Betting: A split bet where half is placed on the golfer to win and half on a Top-5 or Top-10 finish.
• Matchups:
  Betting on one golfer to finish ahead of another in a head-to-head matchup.
• Prop Bets:
  Betting on specific outcomes, such as a hole-in-one or winning margin.
• Futures:
  Long-term bets on major tournament winners or end-of-season rankings.

 

Bankroll Management

Managing your bankroll is crucial for long-term betting success.

A good rule of thumb is to wager only 1-2% of your bankroll per bet.

For example, if your bankroll is $1,000, a single bet should be between $10 and $20.

This prevents large losses and allows for sustained betting.

 

Shopping for te Best Odds

Odds vary between sportsbooks.

Comparing odds before placing a bet ensures you get the best value.

For example, if a golfer is +2500 at one book and +2800 at another, taking the higher odds increases potential profit without added risk.

 

Example on How to Bet on Golf

First, look at the historical record of first-time entrants in a tournament.

The last person to win the Masters in his first appearance was Fuzzy Zoeller – way back in 1979. Even though Jordan Spieth and Jonas Blixt came close to ending that streak in 2014, Bubba Watson held on to take home the green jacket.

This means that the trend is now 36 years old, as Spieth won the 2015 title in his second appearance.

At the 2015, ruling out first-time players at the Masters allowed bettors to eliminate 20 names from the 98 possibilities.

Next, consider the age of the oldest person to win the tournament. Jack Nicklaus came out of nowhere in 1986 to win the tournament at the age of 46.

Even though that makes him a serious outlier – along with several others of his lifetime statistics – for the sake of argument, if you eliminate everyone who is older than 46, that knocks 12 more players off the list.

Now you’re down to 66 potential winners out of 98 – almost a full third.

 

Betting the Golf Rounds

Next, it’s time to look at some more specific scoring rounds.

Between 1993 and 2014, 21 of those 22 champions had shot at least one round of 69 or below in a previous trip to Augusta National.

That’s not a perfect trend, but 21 of 22 is still a fairly high percentage.

That means that you can wipe another 16 players off the list if you eliminate people who have never broken 70 at the course. Now you’re down to 50 out of 98, or about half.

Fifty is still a fairly high number, though, so let’s look at people who didn’t miss the cut last year.

The last time a Masters champion missed the cut the year before was 1997, when Tiger Woods took the green jacket.

This allows you to knock 17 more players off the list, taking it to a much more manageable 33 of 98.

With a list of this size, it’s easier to look at specifics for each player. In the Masters field, it’s still easy to rule out players such as Kevin Na and Padraig Harrington because of their short distance off the tee.

Players like Rickie Fowler, who often are quite competitive in PGA tournaments, may be less attractive because of their recent performances.

Looking at some players who perform well in other tournaments but not in majors, such as Bill Haas, allows you to slide them off the list.

One more temptation might be to overlook the clearest favorites, as Jordan Spieth was ranked going into the tournament.

However, it’s easy to get a little too cute with odds, as you had to choose Spieth if you wanted the tournament’s winner.

 

Betting Statistics and Metrics

The lesson here is that statistics and metrics provide you with a way to get as close as possible to the winner.

However, it’s important to remember that it’s still a risk (that’s why it’s called gambling, remember?).

So no matter how solid your research is, they still have to go out on the course and play.

Over time, though, solid research will bring you the right results often enough to make it worthwhile.

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Betting Conclusion on How to Bet on Golf Tournaments

Golf betting offers unique opportunities due to its individual nature and large fields.

By using strategies such as finishing position bets, live betting, and course analysis, bettors can find strong value.

Understanding different bet types, tracking stats, and managing your bankroll are essential steps toward success.

With the right approach, golf betting can be both profitable and enjoyable.

Always bet responsibly and stay disciplined in your approach.

With golf tournaments held year-round, there’s always another opportunity just around the corner.

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MyBookie’s Sportsbook Betting Guide | Betting on Golf

Check out our Sports Betting Guide to increase those winning when betting on sports.

• Golfer, Group Matchup & Future Betting Explained
• What is Dead Heat in Golf Betting?
• Ways of Golf Betting
• How to Bet on Golf

 

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Golf Betting Center

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Updated Golf Betting Odds | Online Betting Lines

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