Golf Betting 101: A comprehensive beginner’s guide
With big events like the Canadian and US Open approaching, new golf fans may want to start using their newfound knowledge to place some bets. It can be hard to find the right sportsbook for you and learn where, how and on what to place your bets on a new sport, so we have compiled the most essential information so you may confidently place your first golfing bets.
Types of Golf Bets
As always, there are endless choices when it comes to bets, and they can differ between bookies. However, the most popular ones can usually be found almost anywhere. These are:
- Outright Winner Bet
This is the most common. It’s as simple as betting on the golfer you think will win the entire tournament.
- Head-to-Head Bet
Instead of betting on the overall winner, with the head-to-head bet, you bet on who will score higher between two players. The player you bet on does not have to win anything except that.
- Hole-in-One Bet
It’s exactly what it sounds like. Here you bet on if a player will score a hole-in-one during the tournament. It’s not as common as the others, but it’s definitely a fun one.
- Each Way Bet
This combines the outright winner and place bet (which is where you bet if a player places in a certain range). If the golfer you bet on wins, you win both the outright winner and place bet, and if they place in the range set (usually up to 4th-5th), you win the place bet.
Conditions
There will always be certain conditions that will affect play and players themselves. These are either elements out of anyone’s control, like weather and course conditions (take into consideration things like the general landscape of the course), and also the strengths and history of particular players. Are they on a winning streak? Does the course match their specialities?
Finally, the most important thing to do is keep up to date. Watch different tournaments and players with different styles. Get used to what other people bet on, and take a look at the outcome of previous tournaments. As always, especially when you are inexperienced, manage your bankroll carefully and don’t just bet on favourites if you plan to gamble regularly, as this can lead to losses. Best of luck with the upcoming US open golf betting season!