There isn’t much more strategic than golf betting. The nuances and intricacies of the sport make it ripe for a betting audience. It’s not just about who hits the ball the farthest but also who can position themselves to hit with optimal success on every hole.
Golfers don’t merely try to hit the ball as far as they can; they attempt to position themselves in a way that allows them to do so again on the next hole. To bet effectively on golf, you need an intimate understanding of each golfer’s strengths and weaknesses, which holes they will struggle or excel at, and their recent form.
However, this is easier said than done. We have created this guide for anyone wishing to learn more about how to bet on golf like a pro. We cover everything from different types of bets you can place during a round to what type of golfer you should back based on their attributes and previous performances.
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What are the different types of bets you can place on golf?
You can place three main golf bets: moneyline bets, match bets, and par wagers. All of them can be suited to both amateur and professional golf tournaments.
Moneyline bets
These are the most common type of bets you can make on golf tournaments. They are simply a pairing of which golfer will win the tournament and how much they will win. A $100 bet on a golfer winning by two strokes will win $120 (the $100 you put down plus your $20 profit). There are also many other variations of moneyline bets you can place, such as which golfer will finish first and second, first and second to Eastwood, etc.
Par wagers
This type of bet is more specific to stroke-play tournaments. You are essentially wagering on the finishing order of the tournament, with specific strokes allotted to each golfer. For example, if a golfer is given a +5 finish, they need to finish one stroke ahead of the next-to-last finisher. –
Match bets
Match bets are similar to par wagers but are made between two golfers in a specific tournament. Typically, you will make a match bet when two golfers are expected to finish very closely together. You can bet on the outright winner of a tournament, which is the most straightforward bet of the three. You can also bet on tournaments where the golfer has to finish at least one stroke ahead of one or more specific competitors.
Finally, you can also bet on a tournament where the golfer has to finish at least one stroke behind one or more specific competitors.
Golf Betting Strategy
Before you even start placing bets, it is important to have a strategy in place. What types of bets do you intend to place? Are you placing straight-up bets or handicapping tournaments? You can’t win if you don’t know the strengths and weaknesses of each golfer. You need to understand each golfer’s stats and strengths/weaknesses thoroughly.
It is important to note that stats from one tournament are not necessarily transferable to the next. For example, if a golfer is playing on a course that is very different from the one they played last week, their stats may not be as relevant. It is important to pay attention to the course a golfer is playing on and their recent form. You can also use other betting sites like sportsbetting.com to find out who the golf experts are picking and why.
Golf Betting Tips
Now that you know the basics of golf betting, here are some more specific tips to help you become a successful bettor:
Pay attention to the weather forecast
The weather can greatly impact how a golf tournament will play out. If the forecast is for high winds, that will obviously impact the scores, and you need to factor that in when making your bets.
Look at previous results on the same course
If a golfer has performed well on a particular course in the past, they are likely to do so again. This is especially true if they are familiar with the course and know how to play it well.
Consider the field
When handicapping a golf tournament, you need to look at more than just the top few players. The field can have a big impact on how a tournament plays out. If there are a lot of unknown players in the field, that can impact the results.
Don’t get too cute
Sometimes, it can be tempting to try and outsmart the system by placing a bet on a long shot. But more often than not, the favorite is going to win. It is important to stick with bets that have a good chance of winning.
Look for promotions and bonus codes
Many online sportsbooks offer promotions and bonus codes like the FanDuel Promo Code that can give you an edge when betting on golf. These can be anything from free bets to risk-free bets. It is always worth taking advantage of these offers when they are available.
How to Find Value?
As we mentioned earlier, there are times when a golfer who isn’t expected to perform well can provide value. This is particularly true in match-play tournaments, where golfers may be paired against a weaker opponent who they have a good chance of defeating.
However, you may also find value in golfers with low odds but a high potential to win. For example, let’s say you find a golfer with a low Strokes Gained Tee-to-Green (SG-TG) of +0.2 and an average Odds to Win of +350.
This suggests that this golfer has a relatively high chance to win but is also priced at a lower price than the rest of the field. This is ideal for finding value because you have a high chance of winning but can also get a high return if the golfer does win.
You can also find value in a tournament where the favorites are expected to perform poorly because of the course or the weather. If a tournament is expected to be played on a difficult course, the favorites may be at a disadvantage.
Conversely, the favorites may suffer if a tournament is expected to be played in poor conditions, such as excessive wind, rain, or cold temperatures.
Finally, like the example above, you can also find value in golfers who have high stats but are priced at a lower price. The more information you have and the more you understand about the sport, the easier it will be to find value.
Conclusion
Golf betting can be a great way to make some extra money. However, it is important to understand how the sport works and what factors to consider before placing a bet.
By following the tips in this article, you will be well on your way to becoming a successful golf bettor. Just remember always to do your research and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
