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James Fuller

For many in the United States, golf is a popular pastime to enjoy on weekends. However, for an increasing number, the sport is followed on betting sites. Golf betting is now a major market, with tournaments throughout the season being available to wager upon. Whether it be The Masters from Augusta, Ryder Cup in Europe or AT&T Pebble Beach, golf betting sites cater for the needs of customers well.

This page will outline exactly how golf betting online works. Our guide includes golf betting tips and golf betting lines. So, if you are looking to start betting on golf or improve your success rate, be sure to keep reading! We will tee off by looking at the leading brands for backing the likes of Dustin Johnson, Tiger Woods or Nelly Korda with.

How We Rank the Best Golf Betting Sites

Whether it be a long-standing sportsbook site or a new online bookmaker, there are a host of options when it comes to betting on golf tournaments. Whether you wish to bet on Rory McIlroy winning the PGA Championship or Jordan Spieth coming out on top at the US Open, customers should only take advantage of the best operators. So, when ranking our favorite betting sites, the following factors are considered:

  • Safety – Before we get into lines, odds and features, it is worth noting that our recommended operators are all completely secure and legal. Licensed in the US, such operators ensure that all personal and payment details are safe at all times. This is achieved by using state of the art technology on both desktop and mobile. 
  • Coverage – Almost all sportsbooks will cover the four golf Majors of the year. However, for fans of the sport, it should be possible to bet on PGA, European and LPGA tournaments throughout the year. This often separates the best bookmakers from the rest.
  • Lines – Betting on golf should include futures, pre-tournament and live lines. The majority of punters will wager upon the outright winner of golf tournaments. However, top 5, winning margin and country of winner are other popular lines found at betting sites today. 
  • Odds – Golf bets should be placed when the potential returns match the level of risk. Bettors with a good knowledge of golf will regularly find value at our recommended sites. Golf odds vary between brands. While sports betting is about enjoyment, it is also about earnings. We will discuss the best betting sites for golf odds later on.
  • Promotions – Promos are available to both new and existing bettors at our top ranked betting sites. Such promos can help you in maximizing winnings and minimizing losses. Free bets, deposit bonuses, price boosts and money back offers are among the most appealing. Our recommended sportsbooks deliver fair promotions. This means that the qualifying terms and wagering requirements are realistic. 
  • Features – Betting sites can attract new customers by offering additional features. Cash out is perhaps the most in-demand today. Meanwhile, some operators also offer live streaming. This allows bettors to watch their picks in action as they go round the golf course. Should you watch on as Jon Rahm bogeys at 15, it could be worth cashing out.
  • Support – Customer support is important in any industry, including online sports betting. Bettors should be able to easily and quickly communicate with members of staff. Whether it be a question regarding an active bet or a query over bonus terms, support is generally available via telephone, email and live chat. 
  • Banking – It should also be quick and convenient to deposit and withdraw funds at golf betting sites. Deposits are almost always instant, while payouts vary between payment methods. A host of credit cards and e-wallets can be used to fund activity here, along with bank wires. 
  • Mobile – It has never been more important for bookmakers to cater well for mobile customers. The majority of bets are now placed on smartphones and tablets. An increasing number of brands offer dedicated betting apps as a result. Those which do not make sure that their sportsbook sites are fully functional on mobile browsers.

Most Popular Golf Betting Lines

As we have already mentioned briefly, golf betting online is now more than simply backing your favourite player to win an upcoming tournament. So, let’s take a closer look at the golf betting markets awaiting bettors in the US:

Tournament Winner

The most popular method of betting on golf tournaments is to pick the outright winner. For example, backing Brooks Koepka to win the Valero Texas Open. With golf being such a competitive sport, this can be a difficult line to be successful in. Golf futures allow bettors to pick their favorite months in advance. The earlier you bet, the better the odds will be in many cases. We recommend DraftKings for this particular line, with excellent odds being available.

First Round Leader

It is always interesting to see who makes the early running at golf events. While the first round leader may not go on to win the tournament, this is still a method of betting at some sportsbooks. An example of this could be to bet on Phil Mickelson to shoot the lowest score after the opening 18 holes. We recommend FanDuel for this golf line.

Top 10 Finish

With picking the overall winner being difficult, many bettors turn to a top 5, 10 or 20 finish instead. Offering a little more insurance, an example could be to Bryson Dechambeau to finish in a top 10 position at the Augusta National. We recommend Unibet for this golf line, with it being available on the vast majority of tournaments.

The Cut 

In golf, the cut determines which players will continue to compete past the opening two days of a tournament. Unlike other sports, including NHL, MLB, NBA and NFL, leading names can be eliminated early on if their performance is not up to scratch. This can come down to just one putt. An example of this line is to back Charley Hoffman to make the cut at the WGC. This line is available at BetMGM, mainly when the Majors roll around. 

Head to Head

Match play golf is very popular. However, it doesn’t matter what the format is. It is also possible to place h2h bets on two players. This simply means betting on which of the two will perform the best in a particular tournament. For example, Cameron Champ to shoot a lower score than Gary Woodland. Betting on specific matchups is regularly available at FoxBet.

Top Nationality 

Whether it be American, English, Australian or South African, bettors can stake on which player will be the best from their respective country. For example, betting on Si Woo Kim being the highest finishing South Korean on the leaderboard. This line is available at Unibet for golf Majors. 

Live Golf Betting

Many sportsbooks now offer live golf betting. This means wagering on players who are out on the course or once the opening tee shot of a tournament has been hit. Odds will fluctuate depending on the leaderboard and form of golfers involved. Waiting until the action is underway makes it easier to see which players may be battling it out on the back 9 in the final round. Bettors who are able to get their timings and predictions right could well reap the rewards. Live golf betting now forms the basis for many customer strategies. The cash out feature also comes in handy with live golf betting. It can be used to withdraw profits early if you feel like your pick is starting to falter or cut losses if your selection bogeys the opening three holes.

Where to Find the Best Golf Odds

The odds found at sportsbooks will determine how much customers earn from successful wagers. However, not all prices will be the same, with bookies calculating odds differently, based on a number of factors. Whether you are looking to bet on the outright winner of The Open Championship or the first round leader of the Women’s British Open, it is important to understand that you are utilizing the best prices. There is nothing stopping you from signing up at more than one betting site. Having looked at the odds available online for bettors in the US, we recommend the following operators:

Golf Betting Odds Comparison 

When comparing odds, it is often worth looking at the prices available on the favorites at gold Majors. So, the following table demonstrates how the top sportsbooks perform in terms of odds on The Masters 2021.

Golf Betting Site Dustin Johnson Bryson Dechambeau Jordan Spieth Jon Rahm Rory McIlroy
DraftKings +950 +1150 +1150 +1250 +1900
FanDuel +950 +950 +1100 +1200 +1900
Unibet +950 +1150 +1150 +1250 +1900
888Sport +900 +1100 +1100 +1200 +1800
BetMGM +900 +1100 +1100 +1100 +1800
FoxBet +900 +1100 +1200 +1200 +1800

Best Golf Betting Apps

A large proportion of golf bets are now placed on mobile devices. As such, many brands have invested both time and money into developing dedicated betting apps. Available on a variety of iOS and Android devices, such apps make betting on the go more efficient than ever before. Offering the same number of lines and features, apps are quick, convenient and easy to use. So, if you are looking to place mobile golf bets, be sure to consider downloading the following apps:

Best Golf Betting Apps

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5 Ultimate Golf Betting Tips

As with any form of sports betting, there are no guarantees when wagering on golf. However, bettors can certainly improve their chances by coming up with a strategy. This should take into account your budget and goals. Meanwhile, we have also come up with the following golf betting tips. Written by experts of both betting and golf, these tips will give you the best possible chance of beating the bookmakers:

1. Consider Different Styles

Certain golfers will be better suited to particular courses than others. Whether the course is long and suits those with big drives or is a links course favoring those accurate off the tee, be sure to take this into account. For example, Phil Mickelson is a player known for being wayward off the tee, which will not suit courses with heavy rough away from the fairway. 

2. Look at the Form Book

It is often the case that golfers will regularly find themselves challenging on the back 9 of the final round when they are in good form. When watching tournaments, it quickly becomes apparent as to which players are in good shape. Those who are struggling will find it difficult to find the fairways and be putting for pars, rather than birdies. 

3. Follow Live Odds

Picking a winner before a shot has been played can be difficult. As such, it can often be worth waiting until the first round has been completed. It is likely that there will be a group of frontrunners, who bettors can then pick from to back. However, be aware that a single shot can impact the odds on offer.

4. Avoid Outright Win Lines

Betting on the outright winner of a golf tournament is difficult. As a result, it is worth looking at top 5 finishes, top nationality or head to head. Your chances of picking a winner here are greater, especially for those who are prepared to do their research.

5. Utilize Cash Out

There is a reason why the cash out feature is one of betting customers best friends. Whether your pick is leading after three rounds or bogeys the first, it could well be worth settling your wager early.

Popular Golf Betting Events & Tournaments in the US

Bets can be placed on a large number of golf tournaments. However, there are undoubtedly some that will attract more interest from both bookmakers and bettors. Let’s take a closer look at the biggest events in the golfing calendar:

The Masters

The Masters is seen as the pinnacle of golf by many. Held at the famous Augusta National course in Georgia, the best players in the world battle it out to get hold of the green jersey. Dating back to 1934, The Masters is one of the four Majors in men’s golf. Tiger Woods has five Masters wins to his name, however Jack Nicklaus holds the record with six.

US Open

The US Open is another of the Majors, taking place at a different golf course each year. Established in 1895, the tournament is now worth some $12 million in prize money. American players have dominated over recent years, with a US pro winning each year since 2015. 

PGA Championship

The PGA Championship takes place on the third weekend before Labor Day. Dating back to 1916, the tournament is also played at various courses around the US. Whistling Straits and the Hazeltine National are some of the famous courses to stage the event. Nicklaus and Woods are the most successful players in the tournament’s history, with 9 wins between them.

The Open Championship

The only men’s golf Major to take place outside of the US is The Open Championship. Held on links courses in the UK, this is the most historic tournament in the sport, dating back to 1860. St Andrews, Royal St George’s and Royal Troon are some of the standout clubs to have held the event over the years. US dominance has not been so clear here, with just three out of the last 10 victors having been American. Europe’s Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson and Shane Lowery have all come out on top over recent years.

Ryder Cup

Viewed as one of the greatest team events in sport, the Ryder Cup sees the United States and Europe going head to head every two years. The unique atmosphere only makes things all the more special, with the Ryder Cup having first been held in 1927. Ahead of the 2021 Ryder Cup, Europe is ahead of the US in terms of wins. 

Bottom line

Golf is now one of the most popular sports to bet on in the US. The number of legal betting sites covering golf tournaments is increasing too. Bettors now have a large number of attractive platforms to back their favorite golfers on. It is not just the Majors either, with tournaments being available to stake on weekly. So, be sure to check out our recommended brands, each of which is completely safe and reliable. You can claim a welcome bonus or free bet when signing up. 

FAQs

Which are the most popular golf tournaments to bet on?

The four Majors undoubtedly stand out. The Masters, PGA Championship, US Open and The Open Championship attract great interest from punters. However, PGA, European and LPGA Tour events throughout the season are available too.

Can golf tournaments be streamed live on betting sites?

Golf is not a sport that is available to stream on betting sites in the US. However, many tournaments are broadcast live on television. Watching the action live is enjoyable, while it also helps those placing live golf bets.

Is it just the winner of tournaments that can be bet on?

No. Bets can also be placed on the top 5, 10 and 20 positions. As well as this, top nationality, head to head and first round leader lines are also popular.

Can I bet on women’s golf?

Yes. An increasing number of bookmakers cover LPGA tournaments. Meanwhile, it is also possible to bet on the Solheim Cup, the female version of the Ryder Cup.

Are golf promotions available to online bettors?

Yes. Promotions specific to golf are often introduced by operators. Generally surrounding the four Majors, promos include free bets, price boosts and money back offers. Meanwhile, new customer bonuses are also available at each of our top ranked platforms.

Is golf betting online popular in the US?

Yes. Golf is an increasingly popular sport to bet on in the US. This is demonstrated by the number of leading sportsbooks covering events on a weekly basis.

James Fuller

James Fuller is a sports journalist based in Bath, England. Specializing in sports and iGaming, he has worked for a variety of leading online publications in the past, having first created content for safebettingsites in 2020. James also has a degree in Sport & Leisure Management from Sheffield Hallam University. He also has a certificate in Football Communication & Digital Media from the Sports Business Institute in Barcelona, which James has used to help brands enhace their following and reputation on online platforms. With almost a decade of experience in sports writing to his name, James has received outstanding feedback from existing and former clients.