Do Don T Golf Bet
How to Sign up at a Sportsbook to Bet on Golf. Signing up at an online sportsbook to bet on golf is an easy process that only takes a few minutes. Simply select one of the top betting sites above, create an account and make a deposit using real money such as your credit card, Bitcoin, PayPal, or other deposit options depending on the sportsbook. All of the sportsbooks we recommend are secure. But do you know what's even more insidious than that? Your gun control position doesn't have anything to do with public safety, and it's certainly not about personal freedom. It's about that you don't like the people who do like guns. You don't like the people. Think about that the next time you make a joke about the South. Don't bet on the next GameStop, BYU professor advises. 'I don't think we're going to see another short-term bubble in a single company, driven. Live Betting Golf Odds. Live betting has exploded in all sports in recent years, and the sport of golf is no different. What's unique about this format for golf is the fact that you don't necessarily have to be so rushed in your decision making process in making plays as you would be in say live betting a NFL game. Betting golf props is one of the fastest-growing markets, with golf odds on everything from hole-to-hole results, odds on a hole-in-one and if a player will make the cut or not.
Maybe it’s the slow pace of play. Perhaps it’s the fact that the sport is cost-prohibitive and fewer fans have access to getting out on the course. Whatever the reason, golf doesn’t receive the same viewership as the four major sports…and as a gambler, that’s perfectly okay.
I’ve long considered golf to be the hidden gem for gamblers that have never fully bought in to the sport. If you take the time to learn how to bet effectively, you might just be saying goodbye to those Sunday golf naps.
In this article, I’ll lay out the top “Do’s” and “Don’ts” for betting on golf.
1 – Do: Research Past Performance at the Specific Course
Unlike most other sports, the playing conditions in golf vary wildly from tournament to tournament. Different courses reward different areas of skill for players. When a player with the right strengths plays a tournament on their ideal course, it shows up in the results.
Certain courses lend themselves better to players who are able to hit the ball longer, some require skill on the green, and others require players to deal with specific elements only seen on that course.
You might be surprised to find that some players have high-value odds who have played very well at that specific course in the past.
If you’re able to identify a player who is flying under the radar as a potential contender, it might be a good idea to bet on them to finish in the top 5. Keep in mind that you have plenty of players to choose from, so make sure the play is the right combination of high-value odds paired with demonstrated past performance at the hosting course.
2 – Don’t: Bet on Heavy Favorites to Win Outright
One of the attractive things about golf for sports bettors is that you can bet in so many different ways. I’ll go in more detail on that later.
Golf is one of the most notoriously unreliable sports for people who consistently try to go with the biggest favorites. Choosing one single person to win over a 4-day tournament is an extremely difficult proposition. During the prime of Tiger Woods this may not necessarily apply, but in today’s game, I don’t think any one player is dominant enough to justify betting on an outright win.
Just like betting on any other sport, evaluating and finding value is extremely important in golf. If you want to try to predict the eventual winner of the tournament (which is very hard to do), try bundling together several players that have more favorable odds.
As a general rule of thumb, I would say that it’s best to stay away from putting money on any of the top 3 most heavily favored players going into the week. The reward simply isn’t enough to make it worth it.
Sportsbooks play on the public’s bias towards the big names. This means you are almost never going to get a high-value pick on a big name, because the sportsbooks know they can set the number at whatever they want and people are still going to be (naively) betting on the stars.
3 – Do: Experiment with Different Types of Plays
As I mentioned previously, one of the exciting things about golf betting is that there are a number of different types of bets you can make. Options are available for bettors with a high risk tolerance, and those who prefer to play it on the safe side.
Here a few types of bets you can try on the next tournament:
Head to Head
Choosing one player to beat out an entire field of golfers is undoubtedly a challenge. The solution? Head to head bets!
In this type of play, sportsbooks will give odds as if only two golfers were playing. For example, you might see Mickelson (+140) vs. Woods (-120). Simply choose which golfer you think is going to have a better round or tournament, and you’ve narrowed your focus. This gives you a much better opportunity to research each player in depth so that you can make the most educated play.
Groups
If you want to take on a little bit more risk but still give yourself a good chance to win, try group matchup betting. In this type of play, sportsbooks will provide odds for groups of 4 to 8 players.
Whereas the head to head example above had you choose the top finisher of the two, groups allow you to choose the top finisher out of whatever size group the oddsmakers propose.
Why choose groups over head to head when groups are clearly more difficult to win? The odds, of course!
Because there are more possible outcomes, you can expect to see your value increase significantly when moving from a group of 2 to 4, 6, or even 8. In my opinion, this type of bet is perfect for keeping things interesting as a viewer, while also hopefully adding to your bankroll while you’re at it.
Live Betting
No sport is better suited for live betting than golf. The “slower” pace of play means that everyone, both gamblers and oddsmakers, have time to sit back and readjust during play without being rushed.
Obviously, over the course of a 4-day tournament the odds are going to shift significantly. Someone who started at the bottom of the board in terms of winning outright could rise to the favorite by Friday afternoon. If you’re able to spot this before it happens, you could win a good deal of cash for your efforts.
Just be sure that your bankroll doesn’t fall victim to this strategy.
It’s important to keep in mind that just because the pace is slower, that doesn’t mean you should be utilizing every single type of bet that’s available. Instead, try playing a different bet type on each day of a tournament and find the one that you think works for your strategy.
Regardless of which bet types you go with, make sure the value is there. If you have to wager significantly more than you stand to gain, it might be best to lay off the play.
4 – Don’t: Ignore the Weather
This is one of those things where you’ll likely read it and say “obviously…,” yet it happens time and time again with golf bettors.
Checking the weather before making your bets only takes a few minutes, but it could make all the difference. When rain and/or heavy winds start to come into the picture, it acts as somewhat of an equalizer for field. This can make it even more risky to put your money on a heavy favorite, which already is risky in the first place.
In fact, if you notice that there are going to be adverse conditions to be dealt with, consider trying to find a player who the odds would suggest is a big underdog. When things get messy, underdogs can step up and take advantage of the chaos.
It should go without saying, but common sense isn’t always so common. Before placing any wagers on a golf match, check the playing conditions beforehand to avoid making a costly mistake.
Conclusion
If you’ve never been one to sit down and watch a golf match intently, you’re certainly not alone. However, once you discover the exciting opportunities that it provides for bettors, you may just get hooked.
Start out by playing major tournaments to see how you like it, and go from there. My guess is that you’ll be surprised at just how engaging the sport can be when you have a chance to make money on a bet.
Golf has always been a popular game with scores of fans around the world but the rise of golf betting has taken interest in the sport to a new level. PGA Tour, lower-level tour and international golf events run nearly every weekend of the year now and that brings plenty of golf betting opportunities along with them.
If you’re a passive golf fan, you can bet on a tournament winner from time to time and call it a day. If you’re a more passionate golfer (and fan) you can consider a wide range of PGA golf bets every week from the top 10 finishers to the score of your favorite golfer vs. another golfer, to live “next shot” bets and more.
You can also get out the crystal ball for the four Majors and pick your winners well in advance (at very good prices) thanks to a vast futures odds market for the Masters, PGA Championship, US Open and Open Championship.
With major technological advances in golf coverage and the volume of golf events increasing exponentially, live golf betting has also taken off. Golf bettors have taken notice with hundreds of thousands more spent on golf bets each year compared to the last.
Top golf betting sites online
Where to bet on golf online in the US
In years past, betting on golf required a trip to LasVegas or taking your chances with an offshore sportsbook. That’s no longer the case. In May 2018, the US Supreme Court weighed in on a case involving the legality of sports betting.
In a nutshell, the justices decided that it was a matter for the individual states to decide. Several states have picked up the ball and ran with it, and they now have a thriving sports betting industry as a result.
Golf bettors in legalized states will find that they have plenty of legal sportsbook options. Even better, they can bet on the PGA and smaller tours when and where they would like via sports betting apps or legal and regulated online sportsbooks. Here is a partial list of where you can bet on golf legally online in the US:
- NJ sports betting: Golf betting is thriving in New Jersey and it’s only going to get more prominent in the coming years. For those looking to attend and bet on a signature golf event in person in 2021, theUS Open takes place from June 17-20, 2021 at Torrey Pines, CA.
- PA sports betting: Pennsylvania entered the sports betting fray only a few months after New Jersey in 2018. There are several places for PA bettors to bet on golf online or via a sportsbook app. As always, it’s a good idea to find the best deal when opening up a new account. There aren’t any PGATour events scheduled for PA in 2021, but neighboring states New Jersey and Maryland will see The Northern Trust and BMW Championship respectively, in August.
- Indiana sports betting: Indiana sports betting took some time to go live, but it was time well spent. The retail side of things opened in September 2019, and online and mobile options launched the following month. The PGA Tour isn’t touching down in Indiana in 2021, but some options aren’t too far away for live golf. In July, the John Deere Classic will be in Silvis, IL and Barbasol Championship in Nicholasville, KY.
- WV sports betting: West Virginia was one of the first states to act on legalizing sports betting in 2018. The retail side got up and running without a hitch, but there were some hiccups with online and mobile sports betting options. That’s all sorted out now. As mentioned, West Virginia is a regular stop on the PGA circuit.
- Iowa sports betting: The retail side of sports betting is up and running in the Hawkeye State. Because online and mobile are being unveiled in stages, bettors will need to visit a retail sportsbook to complete their registration in person.
- Colorado sports betting: Colorado has legal sports betting as of May, 2020. There are no scheduled PGA tournaments happening in the Centennial state this year.
- NewHampshire sports betting: New Hampshire legalized sports betting as of July 2019 and DraftKings launched in December.
How to bet golf futures
The most significant events on the PGA golf calendar naturally attract the most interest. On the PGA Tour, these four tournaments are, of course, the Majors. These events have a select line-up of the most prominent names to the field plus who has played well lately or placed well in past events.
Majors draw the most attention when it comes to golf betting and, thanks to golf futuresodds, you can weigh in on the winner of the events before they even take place.
For example say the Masters, one of the four Majors, is still a few months away. Let’s say you like the way one golfer has been playing thus far but he hasn’t captured a lot of attention. As a result, he might have some long odds to win the Masters. You can place a bet on him to win at these long odds and cash-in a nice payday if he wins.
It’s similar to how NFL bettors will place bets on the winner of the Super Bowl for the coming year. That’s another very active futures market and one which provides a chance at an excellent return if your hunches prove correct.
Check the live odds below for the latest odds on the next PGA tournament. Click on any odds to go directly to the sportsbook and start the process of making your bet.
Bet on golf majors in 2021
As mentioned, golf’s four Majors attract the most betting and viewing interest. These events are rich in history, stacked with the world’s best golfers and played on the most breathtaking golfcourses on the planet. What are these signature events and when do they take place? How can you bet on all aspects of them? Let’s take a look.
Bet on the Masters
Still the most popular of all golf’s events, the Masters is a massive highlight for sports bettors. It is typically the first Major on the calendar.
The 2021 Masters will return back to its usual spot in the Spring after last year’s tournament being postponed to November, and new champion Dustin Johnson is expected back to defend his green jacket.
2021 Masters Dates
- April 8-11, 2021
- Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, GA
- Purse Size: $11,500,000
- Defending Champion: Dustin Johnson
In 2020 Johnson blitzed his way to his first green jacket with a record -20 under par performance. In 2019, Tiger Woods completed a comeback for the ages in winning the Masters, the fifth time he has won this prestigious event in his legendary career. He’s second on the all-time list for Masters’ wins, behind only Jack Nicklaus and his six victories.
Bet on the PGA Championship
In 2020 the PGA was the first Major on the PGA rescheduled due to the Coronavirus lockdown earlier in the year. 23-year-old Collin Morikawa dazzled with a final round 64 and a tee shot on 16 at TPC Harding Park that will be remembered for decades.
Do Don't Golf Bet Tiger Woods
Dustin Johnson and Paul Casey tied for second while Tiger Woods tied for 37th. Here is the current schedule for the 2021 PGA Championship.
2021 PGA Championship Dates & Location
- May 20-23, 2021
- The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, South Carolina,
- Purse size: $11,000,000
- Defending Champion: Collin Morikawa
PGA Odds to Win
If you want to make a futures bet on the 2021 PGA Championship, check our full page for updated odds.
Bet on US Open 2021
While the Masters is held in high esteem, the PGA’s US Open can also stake its claim as the biggest event of the year for golfers.
Do Don't Golf Bet
The 2020 US Open fit that billing to a tee with a difficult course (Winged Foot in Mamaroneck, NY) navigated under par by only the best. In this case it was Bryson DeChambeau, who was the only player to finish under par at -6 despite, confoundingly, not hitting many fairways—usually considered essential at a US Open.
DeChambeau’s dazzling display earned him $2,250,000. If all goes according to plan, the 2021 US Open will return to its typical dates in mid-June.
US Open 2021 Dates & Location
- June. 17-20, 2021
- Torrey Pines, South Course, San Diego, CA
- Purse size: $12,500,000
- Defending Champion: Bryson Dechambeau
US Open Odds to Win 2021
If you want to bet on a player to win the 2021 US Open, odds on key players will be posted at DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook & BetMGM Sportsbook at the beginning of the 2021 PGA season.
Bet on the Open Championship
Held across the pond in the UK, the Open Championship has a history that can match up with any of the other majors. Sadly, due to Covid-19, the Open Championship was postponed for 2020, but returns in 2021.
2021 Open Championship Dates & Location
- July 15-18, 2021
- Royal St. George’s Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent, ENG
- Purse size: $10,750,000
- Defending Champion: ShaneLowry
If the US Open is the toughest to win, then the event that’s also known as the British Open isn’t far behind. Ireland native Lowry celebrated the biggest win of his career in his home country, as last year’s edition in Portrush, Northern Ireland. Harry Vardon holds the record with six victories at this event, the last of which came in 1914.
How to bet on golf
If you’re comfortable betting on football or basketball, betting on golf can take some adjustment. At first glance, the different kinds of bets can seem like foreign concepts. The best place to start is with the golf betting basics and work your way up. A clear understanding of the main concepts and types of golf bets will help position you to make smarter bets as you go.
In golf, you bet on the performance of an individual, unlike the major team sports. Like team sports, though, you’ll still be doing research on past performance and current trends before making your bets.
Most popular types of golf bets
Let’s take a look at the basic types of golf bets you can place:
- ToWin: For this bet, you’re merely choosing the golfer who you think will win the event. You’ll find odds for all golfers in the field with odds ranging from favorites to longshots.
- Versus The Field: These bets can help to open up your rooting interest. Typically, these bets are offered as one of the favorites for the tournament versus the field. If you take the field (or a small field) of golfers vs. one particular player, and someone in your group wins, you have a winner.
- FinishingPosition: These bets revolve around which golfers will finish high in the tournament. Generally, you can place bets on a golfer to finish in the Top Five, Top 10 or Top 20.
- Head to Head: These types of bets are similar to what you see in the major team sports. Sportsbooks will pair up two golfers entered in the tournament and you can bet on which one you think will outperform the other.
- Group Betting: Similar to head-to-head bets, these bet surround a group of four golfers. Your job is to determine which of the four will post the best score.
- 2/3 Balls: These are head-to-head bets for a pair or group of 3. You pick which of the group you think will post the lowest score. Bettors can also select a tie if they believe that’s the most likely outcome.
- Each Way: An each-way bet is a wager on a golfer to win or place in the event, such as in the top five.
- First Round Leader: On the PGA Tour, tournaments span four rounds. For these bets, you’re simply choosing who you think the leader will be after Round One.
- Nationality: Sportsbooks will post odds for you to choose the best performing golfer by nationality, such as the top-performing American player or top UK finisher.
While there are distinct differences between betting on teams and individual sports, there is also some crossover. In fact, you’ll find that solid research skills translate well as you expand your horizons into different areas of sports betting.
If you have a knack for breaking down contests or events in another niche, there’s a chance you’ll catch on quickly as you look to branch out into new areas.
Live golf betting
One of the most significant developments in the sports betting world over the past few years has been live betting. Also known as “in play” betting, these are bets you can place as the action unfolds in real-time.
As a golf tournament plays out, you can react to what’s going on by placing some live bets. This market moves fast, so odds and opportunities will vary. Options include a head-to-head matchup of two golfers, or how many strokes it may take a golfer to complete an upcoming hole.
You can enjoy live betting online or via the mobile app of your choice. Since golf tournaments typically begin on a Thursday and go through Sunday, there could be a lot of unforeseen developments along the way.
In-play betting via a mobile app allows you to bet as the event happens, no matter where you are in one of the legalized states.
Golf prop betting
Prop betting is another way to get some skin in the game. It is different from worrying about which golfer is going to win or place. In short, prop bets are side wagers on events that may or may not happen during a tournament.
Offerings will vary by sportsbook and event, but you’ll find many similarities with the more experience you get. For example, you may see prop bets on the following:
- Will there be a playoff round?
- Top-performing American golfer
- Will combined birdies on hole four be over or under nine?
Prop bets can open up a new world of possibilities outside of your standard win and place bets. Be sure to check out the menu of offerings for upcoming tournaments at your sportsbook of choice.
How to bet on other PGA events and tours
While the majors get the most attention, that’s not all there is to see when it comes to betting on golf. The tour calendar is full of events that run from September through August.
The action intensifies in the spring and summer months with numerous events that are smaller than the Majors but attract plenty of interest.
For each of these events — and all of the others on the PGA Tour — you’ll find a full range of betting markets. You should note that most golf betting action will come on PGA Tour events. You may find action on lower-level tours such as the Senior and European circuits as well.
Bet on the LPGA
The LPGA, or Ladies Professional Golf Association, runs a full calendar of events as well. While prize pools are slightly smaller than on the men’s side of the equation, the competition is just as fierce.
You should note that LPGA events don’t attract as much betting interest as the PGA Tour does so you may have limited options. However, you can find some good value opportunities in a sport that doesn’t receive as much attention from oddsmakers.
Bet on Match Play Golf & Ryder Cup
For another wrinkle in golf betting, select match-play events occur throughout the year. In these events, you’ll find head-to-head opportunities, so a change-up in your approach is necessary.
In stroke-play events, the general goal is to find the winners and those who will play well. For match play, it’s all about the matchups. Which golfer in a pair will outperform the other?
Quite simply, it’s like betting on the winner of an NBA game. You’ll have a favorite and underdog for each matchup, and moneyline odds to go along with that.
The Ryder Cup is perhaps the most popular match-play event in the world. Teams from Europe and the US go head-to-head every two years, with the venue changing each time.
Fantasy golf
The daily fantasy sports(DFS) industry has come a long way since the early days. The various innovations contribute to its explosive growth.
Included on that list is DFS golf, a game that continues to grow in popularity. The two largest operators, DraftKings and FanDuel, offer games for the weekly PGA tournaments. Here’s how they compare to each other:
As with sports betting, the major events attract the most interest; however, there’s a loyal and devoted player base anytime there’s an event.
Thegoal is to build the highest-scoring lineup from a pool of golfers scheduled to compete, all while staying under the salary cap. Traditionally, the games will span the entire four days but you can also find DFS for single rounds and weekends.
You can find various game types such as tournaments and 50/50s, at different price points with the chance to win real money prizes. For the biggest events, such as the Masters and US Open, prize pools for the major tournaments can be massive.
As an example, DraftKings often runs a $2.5m guaranteed DFS special for The Players with a $1m prize for first. Visit DraftKings DFS to claim your $20 free and play golf DFS in over 40 states
Understanding golf betting odds
As with all other kinds of sports betting, the odds are a significant factor when it comes to golf. There are favorites and longshots to win each tournament. Your job is to find the winners and potential value plays that may win or place. For the 2020 SentryChampionship, for example, these were the starting odds for the fivefavorites:
- Dustin Johnson: +600
- Justin Thomas: +700
- Jon Rahm: +850
- Xander Schauffele: +1000
- Bryson DeChambeau: +1100
Oddsmakers deemed Johnson and Thomas as the most likely to take down the Sentry. They have shorter odds than the field as a result. You’ll find odds listed for all of the players in the field each week, ranging from low to high.
For example, odds for golfers at the Sentry start at a low +600 to an eye-popping +50,000. You’ll find a similar listing of odds when you dig into a future event.
It’s a similar story when you’re looking at other kinds of golf bets, such as top 10 or top 20 finishers in a tournament. For head to heads, groups and various prop bets, it’s a little different. Let’s take a look at the odds for a head-to-head matchup at the Sentry using a⅔ balls format as an example:
- Dustin Johnson: -185
- J.T. Poston: +230
- Tie: +750
As you can see, Johnson is a pretty big favorite here. To break down this head-to-head matchup, you’d want to approach it like how you would bet on a game:
- Which golfer is better overall?
- Who has played the best at recent events?
- Has either of them had success at the Sentry in the past?
As you gain experience with golf betting, you’ll come to find that the odds aren’t that hard to understand. Also, you’ll get to the point in which you’ll see those potential value opportunities, for example, such as a point spread that seems off in an NFL game.
For more on other “niche” sports you can bet on at US online sportsbooks, check our page here:
Do Don T Golf Better
How to live stream Golf online
The traditional PGA Tour event stretches over four days, from Thursday to Sunday. It can be challenging to be in front of the TV for that long; however, you have options if you are on the go.
You can find live streams of PGA events online and via mobile. Some of them will come right from the sportsbooks themselves. The advent of live betting and sports wagering, in general, has been a catalyst on this front. We can assume that there will be a lot more to come here.
For your safety, stick to the legal and regulated US sites we recommend. If they offer a stream for an event you’re interested in, you’re good to go. If not, check out PGA.com for information on how and where you can legally and safely stream tour events.
Golf terms
There are hundreds of golf terms, some even the professional sometimes forget. Here are just a few of the basic terms you might hear. There are many sites online offering the full index.
- Birdie: When golfers achieve one stroke under par on a particular hole, for example, making a two on a par three hole is a birdie.
- Par: Players who meet the listed number of strokes for a hole make par.
- Bogey: If par for a hole is four and the player takes five strokes, this would be a bogey.
- Double bogey: Making two extra strokes above the listed par is a double bogey, something that can be fatal to a golfer’s card.
- Ace: Hitting a hole in one is known as an ace.
- Dogleg: A dogleg is a hole with a direct fairway, but then veering to the right or left.
- Sand trap: This is a green-side bunker or a fairway full of sand instead of grass.
- Approach shot: This is the term for a golfer aiming to land the ball on the green. The average measure is between 150 to 180 yards to the target.
- Follow through: Describes that part of the golfer’s swing that occurs after the club has connected with the ball.
- Flagstick: The flagstick is the tall pole indicating where the hole is on the green.
- Heading in: A term used when a player is heading toward the back nine and the clubhouse.
- Line: This is the line a golfer expects the ball to take as heads toward the hole.