Golf isn’t like boxing or tennis where it’s all about one-on-one battles. In golf, players start off in groups of two or three, and that’s where the betting fun begins.
Here’s how it works: On the first day of a golf tournament, the best players usually start later than the rest. Then, on the second day, whoever’s leading the tournament tees off last. Some golf events are even cooler, like the Ryder Cup where teams from the U.S. and Europe face off, or The Match, where pro golfers and famous people play together.
Top Golf Tournaments for Betting
If you’re looking to bet on golf, some tournaments stand out for their excitement and popularity. Here’s a list of the best ones:
The Masters
Held every year at Augusta National, The Masters is where the major championship season begins. It’s famous not just for the intense competition but also for the iconic green jacket given to the winner. This prestigious event is a favorite among bettors for its rich history and the high skill level of the participants;
U.S. Open
The U.S. Open is known for its tough courses. It’s a real test of precision and smart play. Golfers who are good at playing accurately and managing the course often do well here. This makes the U.S. Open a thrilling event to bet on, as it demands the best from the players;
British Open (The Open Championship)
As the world’s oldest golf tournament, The Open Championship holds a special place in the hearts of golf fans. It’s held every year on one of ten links courses in the UK. Unlike other majors, its unique courses offer a different kind of challenge, adding an extra layer of excitement for betting.
2023 Golf Events and Winners
For a comprehensive understanding of the current golf scene, here is an expanded table of the 2023 golf event winners and their scores:
| Date | Event | Winner | Score |
| May 31 – Jun 3 | The Memorial Tournament | Viktor Hovland | 16-under-par (272) |
| May 3 – 6 | Wells Fargo Championship | Wyndham Clark | 14-under-par (274) |
| May 10 – 13 | AT&T Byron Nelson | Jason Day | 23-under (261) |
| May 18 – 21 | PGA Championship | Brooks Koepka | 14-under-par (274) |
| May 24 – 27 | Charles Schwab Challenge | Emiliano Grillo | 15-under-par (269) |
| May 24 – 28 | LPGA Match Play – Bank of Hope | Pajaree Anannarukarn | 14-under-par (274) |
| May 25 – 28 | KLM Open Golf | Thomas Pieters | 20-under-par (268) |
| May 26 – 28 | Mithra Ladies Open | Atthaya Thitikul | 19-under-par (269) |
| May 26 – 28 | DC LIV Golf | Charl Schwartzel | 20-under-par (268) |
| May 29 – Jun 4 | Mizuho American Open | Rose Zhang | 9-under-par (279) |
| Jun 1 – 4 | Memorial Tournament | Viktor Hovland | 16-under-par (272) |
| Jun 1 – 4 | European Open | Tom McKibbin | 9-under (283) |
| Jun 2 – 4 | Principal Charity Classic | Stephen Ames | 17-under (199) |
| Jul 16 – 23 | Open Championship | Brian Harman | 13-under (271) |
| Aug 3 – 6 | Wyndham Championship | Lucas Glover | 20-under (260) |
| Aug 21 – 27 | Ally Challenge | Vijay Singh | 14-under (202) |
| Aug 21 – 27 | TOUR Championship | Viktor Hovland | 19-under (261) |
| Sept 29 – Oct 1 | Ryder Cup | Team Europe | 16.5-11.5 |
Ways to Bet on Golf Tournaments
Golf betting isn’t just picking who wins. It can be way more fun, especially with different formats. Like the “2-vs.-2, 3 in 1” format, where you have four golfers in two teams. They play three different games over 18 holes. For example, the first 6 holes might be ‘better ball’, the next 6 ‘alternate shot’, and the last 6 a ‘2-man scramble’. This mix keeps things exciting and is perfect for betting with friends or at work. You can even tweak the formats to make it more interesting!
Types of Golf Betting
Golf betting’s become super popular lately. There are lots of ways to bet, but let’s look at the most common ones:
- Golf Futures Betting. This is where you bet on who will win big tournaments like the Masters or the US Open. You pick a golfer, and if they win, so do you. The odds change based on how well the golfer’s playing lately, their past wins, and other stuff. Remember, this is a long game – you won’t know if you’ve won until the tournament’s over;
- 3-Ball Betting. This one’s about betting on who’ll do best in a specific round. Let’s say Phil Mickelson, Keegan Bradley, and Vijay Singh are playing together. You can bet on who among them will have the lowest score in that round. The odds depend on how they’re playing recently and their track record. 3-ball betting is a cool way to make a single round more thrilling.
Read also the article about Golf Betting Strategies for Success
Comparing Types of Golf Tournament Bets
Golf tournaments offer various betting options, each with its own style and potential rewards. Here’s a breakdown of three popular types of bets:
Outright Winner Bet
This bet is about picking the overall tournament winner.
| Player | Odds |
| Jon Rahm | +900 |
For example, betting $100 on Jon Rahm to win at +900 means, if he wins, you get $900 profit, making your total payout $1000.
Top Finisher Bet
This bet focuses on whether a player finishes in the top 5 or top 10.
| Player | Odds |
| Dustin Johnson | 4/1 |
Say you bet $50 on Dustin Johnson to be in the top 5 at 4/1 odds. If he does, you win $150 profit ($200 total minus your $50 bet).
Matchup Bet
Here, you bet on one player outperforming another in a head-to-head matchup set by the sportsbook.
| Player | Odds |
| Jordan Spieth | -110 |
| Rory McIlroy | +100 |
For instance, if you bet on Jordan Spieth against Rory McIlroy and Spieth ends up with a lower score, you win. These bets can be made before or during the tournament.