When you bet on golf, you usually choose a player to win a tournament or a season-long competition like the FedEx Cup. You’ll see a list of players with numbers next to them. These numbers can start with either a plus (+) or minus (-) sign, followed by a number, or be presented as a fraction.
| Type of Odds | Meaning | Example | Explanation |
| Plus Odds | Potential winnings on a $100 bet | +2000 | If you bet $100 on a player with +2000 odds, you would win $2,000. Total return: $2,100 (your bet + winnings). |
| Minus Odds | Amount to bet to win $100 | -110 | To win $100, you need to bet $110 on a player with -110 odds. Total return if you win: $210 (your bet + winnings). |
| Fractional Odds | Multiply your bet by this fraction to calculate win | 5/1 | Betting $100 at 5/1 odds would win you $500. Total return: $600 (your bet + winnings). |
| Conversion to Fractional Odds | Convert plus/minus odds to fraction | +5000 (Converts to 50/1) | Move the decimal two places left to convert to fractional odds. For +5000, it becomes 50/1. |
| +550 (Converts to 11/2) | If the plus-minus odds don’t end in two zeroes, adjust to the nearest whole number. For +550, it converts to 11/2. |
Key Reasons to Bet on Golf
Betting on the PGA Tour offers several enticing aspects that make it an attractive option for gamblers. Here are some reasons why PGA wagering stands out:
- Profit Potential. Golf betting offers a realistic chance for profit, unlike some sports where consistent gains are harder to achieve;
- Cost-Effective Entertainment. A single golf bet can provide entertainment over several days, offering more value compared to quicker games like blackjack;
- Matchup Shopping. You can choose bets based on preferred matchups, aligning financial interests with personal preferences, flexibility not often found in team sports betting;
- Line Shopping Ease. Golf’s status as a less mainstream sport results in more variance in betting lines, allowing bettors to find the best odds by exploring multiple bookmakers.
Guide to Types of Golf Bets
Golf betting offers a range of options for enthusiasts. Here’s a simple breakdown of the various types of bets you can place on golf tournaments:
| Type of Bet | Description | Example | Details |
| Outright Winner | Bet on a player to win the tournament. | Scottie Scheffler at +750 for the British Open. | A bet of $100 at +750 odds yields $750 if the player wins. |
| Each-way Odds | Bet on a player to win and/or finish in a top position. | Betting on a player at 10/1 each-way odds for a Top 3 finish. | Two-part bet: one for the win, one for a top finish. If the player wins or finishes Top 3, the respective bet pays. |
| Head-to-head and Three-way Odds | Bet on one player against another or one among three. | Betting on Tiger Woods to outperform Phil Mickelson in a round. | Choose the player you think will have a better tournament outcome. |
| Golf Parlays | Combine multiple individual bets. | Parlay bet on three golfers to win their respective rounds at +300, +400, and +500 odds. | All selected bets must win for a payout. High-risk, high-reward. |
| Nationality Bets | Bet on the top-performing golfer from a specific country. | Betting on the best-performing Australian golfer in the U.S. Open. | Odds based on past performance and current form. Favorable for golfers with consistent track records. |
Key Golf Betting Events
Golf betting enthusiasts have a range of tournaments to look forward to each season. Each event in this list offers a unique angle for golf betting, with historical prestige and varying challenges adding to their appeal. Here’s a summary of the four major golf events and other popular betting opportunities:
Major Golf Tournaments for Betting
- The Masters: Always hosted at Augusta National, providing familiarity with the course for players and bettors;
- The PGA Championship. Moved from August to May. Scheduled for May 20-23 at Kiawah Island, South Carolina;
- The US Open. Known for its difficulty and controversial nature. Distinct from the tennis tournament sharing its name;
- The British Open. Celebrated as the oldest and most prestigious golf major. Accessible to professionals and qualified amateurs. Scheduled at Royal St. George’s Golf Club, Sandwich, Kent from July 15-18.
Additional Popular Golf Events:
- Ryder Cup
- Valero Texas Open
- The Players Championship
- FedEx Cup
Read also the article about Golf Betting in 2023: Online or Offline, Which Way to Go?
Additional Golf Betting Options
Golf betting extends beyond picking tournament winners. Let’s dive into four more ways to bet on golf, each offering a unique approach to the game:
| Bet Type | Description | Example/Details |
| Round Totals | Bet on a player’s score to be over or under a set number for a round. | Example: Tiger Woods’ Round 1 score is set at 69.5. Bet ‘Under’ for a score of 69 or better, ‘Over’ for above 69. |
| Golf Prop Bets | Bet on various specific outcomes within a golf event. | Common in major tournaments. Bets on hole-to-hole results, hole-in-ones, making the cut, etc. |
| Golf Futures | Bet on the winner of major tournaments well ahead of the event. | Futures odds for events like the Ryder Cup or the Masters are available months before. |
| Live Betting on Golf | Bet on various aspects of the tournament as it happens, with real-time odds. | Involves betting on outright winner, round winners, and hole-by-hole performance. Offers a dynamic, interactive experience. |