What are the Different Golf Bets?

Golf Betting Markets

Golf is one of the top sports when it comes to placing bets. Since there are tournaments held around the world and the events last for multiple days, there are always excellent options available. Anyone who is new to the world of golf betting can learn more about the types of bets that are available right here. We also offer some tips and predictions that can be used to help improve the chances of those bets being winners.

Understanding Markets

When placing bets on golf events, there are many types of options that will be available. All of the main betting types will be featured at leading sportsbooks. While the odds may vary, the bet types remain the same. Before getting started, it is wise to become familiar with each of the major bet types and learn how these work. The worst thing a bettor can do is to place a blind bet, where they have no knowledge of the bet or what is needed to win. 

Read on to learn more about the most common bets placed on golf. In addition to these main bet types, online sportsbooks will also offer futures bets, where bets can be placed on an event that is scheduled at a later date. There are also sites that support live betting, allowing bettors to place wagers as the match is taking place.

Outright Winner

Betting on the outright winner is the most basic form of a golf bet. Here, bettors will choose what player will win the tournament. The odds of each player winning will be set by the sportsbook and the favorites will have lower odds. It is the easiest bet to understand, which is why it is often the first choice for new bettors. When getting ready to place an outright winner bet, there are some things to consider.

Always research player form and examine past performances. Take time to learn the course history and how the player has played on that course in the past. It is also important to consider any weather conditions that may affect how the player performs.

Each-Way Odds

Each way betting is an exciting way to place wagers and benefit from good returns. This is a two-part bet that will combine the chances of a win with the added security of a place bet. When an each-way bet is placed, half of the wager amount will be placed on a player to win the events and the other will be placed on that player finishing in a top position. If the player wins the tournament, both parts of the bet will be won. 

Some things to consider when placing each-way bets are the consistency of players and the course. Always choose players who are known to finish in the top positions. While they may not always come out as a winner, they often secure a place payout. The course also plays a role as certain players perform better on certain courses. Check the track record on a course before placing the bet.

Head-to-Head

Head-to-head betting is a very popular option and it is a wager where bettors wager on whether one golfer will finish higher than another in a tournament. Instead of betting against the whole field like with outright winners, these bets focus on the performance of just two players. The sportsbook will select two golfers and bettors simply choose which one will perform better. Since just two players are being compared, it is easier to analyze stats and make an educated decision.

To be successful with these bets, be sure to take time to analyze player performance and look at past head-to-head history. It is also beneficial to examine the course and make sure the playing style and strengths of the two players match the course.

Parlays

Golf parlays make for an exciting betting experience since more than one wager will be combined on the bet slip. To win these bets, all legs of the wager must be correctly chosen. For example, bettors may bet on three various golfers to win matches. If all three of the chosen golfers do win, the bet yields a payout. However, if just one of those golfers loses, the entire bet will be deemed a loss. Parlay bets often have large returns since they are difficult bets to place and win. They are a high-risk option but can lead to extreme profits.

Nationality Bets

Since the game of golf attracts players from all over the world, there is an option to place Nationality bets. This is a bet that is placed on a golfer from a certain country in hopes that the golfer has the best performance. Bettors may choose to place this bet on what American-based gofer will have the best Masters score. The odds for these bets are usually based on current form as well as past performances.

Betting Tips

No matter what types of golf bets are being placed at an online sportsbook, there are some tips that can be used to improve the chances of winning payouts. While these tips do not guarantee a win, they do provide bettors with a slight advantage.

  • Examine Form – Always be aware of the current form of the golfer. Golfers, like any other athlete, can suffer from cold and hot streaks. These streaks often include tournament wins or having a better-than-average finish. Take time to look at streaks as well as shot accuracy when choosing bets.
  • Course Fit – This is something that will match the players' strengths to the layout of the course. Golf courses are all built differently with some having wider fairways or longer lengths per hole. In these cases, golfers who have a long drive average are the best choices. With courses that have narrow fairways and multiple hazards, watch for golfers with the best shot accuracy.
  • Course History – Always take time to examine the history of the course. Golfers perform differently on different courses. It is important to choose a golfer who has experience with the course and can rely on their strengths for a top finish. 
  • Weather – The weather can affect all aspects of a match or tournament. String winds may force players to have shorter drives or rain can make the ball move slower, affecting putting accuracy. Look at detailed weather forecasts that span the length of the event to ensure ideal conditions will be present. If foul weather is expected, bets can be altered accordingly.

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