Golf isn’t just a sport that thrills millions around the world with its elegance and complexity—it’s also become a major attraction for bettors. Betting on golf has grown exponentially in popularity thanks to the proliferation of online sportsbooks and the sheer number of tournaments held each year. Unlike team-based sports, golf offers a unique range of betting markets tailored to the individual nature of the game. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a beginner, understanding the different types of golf betting markets can enhance your enjoyment and improve your odds.
1. Outright Winner
This is the most straightforward and commonly known type of golf bet. You simply place a wager on which golfer you think will win the entire tournament. The odds reflect each player’s probability of winning, often offering higher returns due to the difficulty of picking the correct winner in a large field.
Example: You bet on Rory McIlroy to win The Masters. If he finishes first, you win the bet and collect based on the odds at the time of placing the wager.
2. Each-Way Betting
An each-way bet is essentially two bets in one—one for the player to win and another for the player to finish in a “place,” such as the top 5 or top 10, depending on the bookmaker’s offer. This type of bet is popular in golf due to the large number of participants in each tournament.
Tip: Choose each-way betting if you’re backing a high-odds outsider with a realistic chance of placing well.
3. Top Finish Markets
These markets focus on players finishing within a specific range, like top 5, top 10, or top 20. These are lower-risk bets compared to outright winners but offer smaller potential returns.
- Top 5 finish: Wager on a golfer to place within the top 5.
- Top 10/20 finish: Similarly less risky; good for consistent performers.
4. Head-to-Head Matchups
This market offers a bet between two golfers, usually set by the sportsbook, with odds given for each player. The winner is simply the golfer who finishes with the lower total score after the full tournament. This type of bet adds extra excitement to your viewing, especially when your picks are grouped together.
Fun Fact: Matchup betting eliminates the need for your pick to win the tournament—they just need to beat their head-to-head rival.
5. Round Betting
Instead of wagering on the whole tournament, round betting narrows the focus to a specific round. You can bet on a player’s single-round performance or on who will win a particular round outright.
Types of round bets include:
- Round Leader – Predict who will lead after a specific round.
- Lowest Round Score – Bet on the player with the lowest score in a given round.
6. Group Betting
Group betting divides typically 5-6 golfers into smaller groups by the bookmaker, and you bet on who you think will perform the best within that group. This is a great option if you’d like to avoid committing to full tournament result predictions.
Pro tip: Look for value in groupings where a solid player is undervalued against underperforming favorites.
7. Nationality Betting
This market allows you to bet on which golfer from a particular country or region will perform best. It’s a fun way to get involved if you’re interested in a specific player pool, like top American or European golfers.
8. Special and Prop Bets
These are more novelty style wagers, often set around specific events within a tournament. Examples include whether there will be a hole-in-one, if the winning score will be over/under a certain number, or whether a player will make the cut.
These bets are best suited for entertainment or casual punters looking to add excitement to the experience.
Final Thoughts
Golf betting offers a vast array of markets, catering to everyone from cautious bettors to risk-takers. Whether you’re playing it safe with a top 20 finish bet or aiming for a big win with an outright longshot, there’s a golf market for you. Just remember to research form, course compatibility, and weather conditions—factors that can greatly influence the outcome. With a thoughtful approach, betting on golf can be both profitable and endlessly engaging.
