Golf is a thrilling sport that combines strategy, skill, and patience – and when it comes to betting, it’s no different. For those new to golf betting, understanding odds, types of bets, and how to make informed choices can feel overwhelming. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started with golf betting confidently.

1. Understanding the Basics of Golf Betting Odds

Betting odds are used to represent the likelihood of a particular outcome and the potential payout. In golf, odds can appear in three main formats: decimal, fractional, and American (or moneyline). Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Decimal Odds: Common in Europe, these are straightforward to understand. For instance, if a golfer has odds of 5.00, a $10 bet would return $50 if they win (5 x $10).
• Fractional Odds: Often used in the UK, fractional odds show profit relative to the stake. If you see 4/1 odds, it means for every $1 wagered, you’ll win $4 if successful.
• American Odds (Moneyline): These odds are either positive or negative. Positive odds (e.g., +400) show how much profit a $100 bet will yield if you win, while negative odds (e.g., -150) show how much you need to wager to win $100.

2. Popular Types of Golf Bets

With golf tournaments spanning multiple days and offering a broad field of players, there are many types of bets you can place beyond simply betting on who will win. Here are some common options:

• Outright Winner: This is a straightforward bet on who will win the tournament. Outright winner bets usually offer high odds, as predicting the winner among dozens of players is challenging.
• Each-Way Bets: An each-way bet gives you two chances to win: if your golfer finishes first, or if they place within a specified number of top positions (e.g., top 5). You place a stake for both the win and place portions of the bet, so it costs more but lowers your risk.
• Top 5, 10, or 20 Finish: Rather than betting on a player to win, you can bet on them to finish within the top 5, 10, or 20. These bets are easier to win, as you’re not betting on the player to win the entire tournament, but they also offer lower payouts.
• Head-to-Head Matchups: In this bet, you’re wagering on one golfer to finish ahead of another golfer in the tournament, rather than betting on the tournament winner.
• Round Betting: You can bet on who will have the best score in a particular round. This is a great option for those who want to bet without committing to the outcome of the entire tournament.
• First-Round Leader: Similar to outright betting, but only for the first round. It’s a high-risk, high-reward bet since you’re betting on who will be the leader after just one day of play.

3. How to Read and Interpret Odds

Let’s say you’re looking at a tournament, and one of the top players has odds listed as +500. This means if you bet $100 on them to win, you’d receive $500 in profit (plus your original $100) if they win. In contrast, a long shot with odds of +2000 would yield $2,000 in profit on a $100 bet – but this reflects that they have a lower likelihood of winning.

Odds fluctuate based on factors like recent performance, weather conditions, and betting action from other bettors. Keep an eye on changes in odds as the tournament approaches or progresses, as these shifts can offer insights into which players are favored by experts and the betting public.

4. Strategies for Beginners

Golf betting can be tricky due to the unpredictable nature of the sport, but a few beginner-friendly strategies can help you make more informed choices:

• Research Player Form and Course History: Players perform differently on various courses. Research each player’s history on a particular course, their current form, and how they typically handle the tournament’s conditions.
• Avoid Only Betting on Favorites: Favorites don’t always win in golf, given the field size and event structure. Consider betting on other strong players for better value.
• Consider Each-Way Bets for Safer Returns: If you’re new, each-way bets provide a safety net. You might not win as much as an outright bet, but you increase your chances of a return.
• Manage Your Bankroll Wisely: As with any betting, don’t wager more than you’re prepared to lose. Set a budget and stick to it to enjoy the game without stress.

5. Choosing a Betting Platform

Most online sportsbooks offer a wide range of golf betting options. Look for platforms that provide competitive odds, live betting (for added excitement), and insightful stats and data. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Bet365 are a few popular choices that offer user-friendly golf betting experiences.

Final Thoughts

Betting on golf is a fun way to engage with the sport, but it’s essential to approach it with patience and strategy. Start by familiarizing yourself with different odds formats, trying various bet types, and researching players. With time, you’ll develop a better understanding of the game and find yourself making smarter, more enjoyable bets.

Golf betting has grown in popularity, driven by the excitement of major tournaments and the wide range of betting opportunities available. Unlike betting on traditional team sports, betting on golf offers unique formats and options due to its individual competition nature. Here’s a guide on how to get started, understand the odds, and explore different betting markets.

Understanding Golf Odds

Golf betting odds can be presented in three main formats: American odds, decimal odds, and fractional odds. American odds are most common in the U.S., where favorites are represented with a minus sign (e.g., -150), and underdogs have a plus sign (e.g., +200). A bet with -150 means you need to wager $150 to win $100, while +200 means a $100 wager would win you $200​.

Decimal odds are used in Europe and represent the total return for every $1 wagered, including your stake. For example, 3.00 odds mean a $1 bet would return $3. Fractional odds, used primarily in the UK, such as 10/1, show how much profit you’d make compared to your stake (e.g., a $10 bet at 10/1 returns $100 in profit, plus the original $10 stake)​.

Popular Golf Betting Markets

1. Outright Winner: This is the most straightforward bet—picking the player who will win the tournament. Given that there can be up to 156 players competing, the odds are often higher compared to team sports. This market remains open even after the tournament has begun, but odds will shift based on player performance​.
2. Place Finish: Instead of betting on the outright winner, you can bet on whether a player will finish in the top 5, top 10, top 20, etc. This gives bettors a better chance of cashing out, albeit with shorter odds. For instance, betting on Rory McIlroy to finish in the top 10 will have lower odds (and thus a smaller payout) than betting on him to win the entire tournament.
3. Matchups: In matchup betting, you’re betting on one player to finish ahead of another in the tournament. Matchups can span the entire tournament or be restricted to a specific round. This format can simplify golf betting by narrowing down your focus to just two players, rather than the entire field.
4. Round Leader: You can bet on who will lead at the end of a particular round, such as the first round leader. These bets typically have high odds since early-round performance can be unpredictable.
5. Prop Bets: Golf props add extra excitement to your betting experience. Examples include whether there will be a hole-in-one, who will record the longest drive, or specific player props like whether a certain golfer will make the cut. These prop bets don’t directly affect the tournament outcome but can offer interesting side action.
6. Nationality Props: This market allows you to bet on the highest-finishing player from a specific country or region. For instance, you might bet on the top American or the best Australian player in a tournament.
7. Live Betting: Live betting in golf is a growing trend, allowing bettors to place wagers in real time during the tournament. You could bet on whether a player will make a birdie on a specific hole or if they’ll hit the fairway. This type of betting adds to the thrill by enabling you to react to the action as it unfolds.

1. Study Course Layout and Conditions: Different courses suit different player styles. Research the course layout, whether it’s favorable to long hitters or requires accurate iron play. The weather can also significantly impact outcomes—windy conditions often mean higher scores.
2. Know the Players: Recent form is crucial in golf. Has the player been consistent in recent tournaments? Do they have a history of performing well on similar courses? Understanding these details will give you an edge when placing bets.
3. Manage Your Bankroll: Always set a betting budget that you can afford to lose. A good rule is to bet only 1-4% of your bankroll on any given wager. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, especially during major tournaments, but staying disciplined is key to long-term success.
4. Take Advantage of Dead Heat Rules: If multiple players tie for a finishing position (e.g., several players tying for 5th place), the payout is divided among the winners. Understanding how your sportsbook handles dead heats can help you manage expectations and understand potential returns better.
5. Look for Value: Assess implied odds to determine whether a wager is worth it. Implied odds show the probability of an outcome as determined by the bookmaker, but your own research might suggest a different probability—this is where you find value​. For example, if you believe a player has a better chance of winning than the odds suggest, this could be a good bet to make.

• Each-Way Betting: This involves placing two bets—one on a player to win and one on them to finish in the top spots (usually top 5 or 10). It’s a good strategy when you think a player has a strong chance of competing but might not win outright.
• Focus on Underdogs in Matchups: In matchups, sometimes less prominent players are undervalued. If a high-profile golfer is struggling with form, betting on an underdog with better recent performances can be lucrative.
• Weather Watching: Keep an eye on the forecast, as bad weather can significantly affect play. Players with experience in tough conditions could be a good bet in such scenarios.

Betting on golf is meant to enhance the excitement of the sport, but it’s important to wager responsibly. Never bet more than you can afford to lose, and avoid increasing your bet sizes during big tournaments, even if the excitement is high. Set limits for yourself and always keep the focus on having fun, rather than chasing losses.

So a little backstory here. Last year my wife asks if we can go to visit her daughter in Austin for Easter. Of course I say “yes” before I look at a calendar. In 2023 Easter Sunday was Masters Sunday. Our 3 hour flight took 7 hours due to a severe storm in Texas. That storm wreaked havoc on the schedule at Augusta. Yesterday we arrived in Austin. Last night there was a fast moving thunderstorm with golf ball sized hail. The storm should reach Augusta tomorrow morning. My apologies for once again impacting the event. On another note, since I’m in a jurisdiction that prohibits sports wagering, I won’t be offering any betting analysis. If I’m not going to bet it I’m not going to make any suggestions.

We all know Augusta. Pristine conditions. Par 72, 7500+ yards. A classic tree lined parkland course with only 44 bunkers. Water is in play on only 4 holes. The rough is almost non-existent Ryegrass. The greens are firm, heavily sloped and usually run 12′-15′ on the Stimpmeter. All of the greens at Augusta have SubAir. The players who excel at ANGC tend to hit the ball long off the tee and have good approach games, especially with their mid to long irons. If you miss the firm greens on approach you’ll have a difficult time getting up and down. Par 5 scoring is paramount.

Before taking a look at which of the 89 golfers stand out based on the above criteria, let’s take a deeper look at the weather and how it very well might affect the first major of 2024. The storm is relatively fast moving, but brutal with torrential rain and high winds. As of 6pm Augusta time, rain is expected beginning at 10pm this evening with thunderstorms coming in at 6am continuing until noon. Rain should taper off and be done by 2pm. Today in Austin we had heavy winds from the back end of the storm. The forecasted wind in Augusta following the end of the rain calls for a range of 16mph – 18mph with stronger gusts. The winds will diminish Friday morning but increase again as the day goes on. Saturday morning we should see relatively calm conditions. The sun will be shining starting Thursday afternoon thru the remainder of the event.

Now that was a lot of information about the weather, but it is insanely important this week as you consider who to use in your DFS lineups and One and Dones. Last year we saw ANGC be very proactive with respect to making decisions based on the weather. I would be shocked if they didn’t push the first round start time back to the afternoon. What this means is that the golfers in the AM/PM wave will see high winds but soft conditions on Thursday and potentially relatively benign winds if they finish their second rounds on Saturday morning. The PM/AM wave will play the majority of their first two rounds on Friday with high winds and greens that will have dried out due to both the wind and the SubAir systems under each putting surface.

We had an earthquake in the Northeast last week. I did not have that on the 2024 bingo card. There are two Masters’ competitors whose wives are both pregnant with due dates in the next one to three weeks. Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns have both committed to walking off the course if their respective wife goes into labor. Trying to calculate the probability of labor at 33 to 35 weeks gestation was not on my DFS bingo card.

Taking all the above into account, I’ll be focusing on competitors who fit the criteria above, are in the AM/PM wave and are not expectant fathers. I’m also omitting both Min Woo Lee and Akshay Bhatia as both are dealing with recent injuries. The defending champion, Jon Rahm along with Rory McIlroy lead a pool of 9. The other 7 are Hideki Matsuyama, Tony Finau, Victor Hovland, Xander Schauffle, Patrick Cantlay, Will Zalatoris and Justin Thomas. Given the pricing on Draft Kings, the list expands to include Russell Henley, Taylor Moore and Stephan Jaeger.

My One and Done this week requires me to select two participants. I’ve previously used McIlroy and Finau. My selections are Rahm and Matsuyama. I’m running with Rahm, Matsuyama, Finau, Henley, Moore and Jaeger for a total salary of $49,500 in my weekly Draft Kings entries.

Good luck to all and enjoy the best tournament of the year. Don’t forget to follow us on X!