Best Golf Betting Strategies

Ethan Moore
Written byEthan MooreWriter
Fact checked byIliana PetkovaFact Checker
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Golf Betting Strategy

Golf betting can be a bit more complex for beginners than football or baseball betting. That's because golf is mostly about predicting the winner of the entire tournament. Also, picking the big names in golf betting can be a "sucker" bet as major championships and tournaments are usually won by players not talked about by the press.

Besides betting on the eventual tournament winner, golf bettors can also bet on an individual golfer's performance. Additionally, there are markets to bet on the first-round leader, group matchups, nationality, head-to-head, and more. Nonetheless, betting on outright winners of tournaments like The Masters, US Open, and PGA Championship is the most convenient way.

Best Golf Betting Strategies

How to Create a Golf Betting Strategy

When laying the groundwork for a top golf betting system, knowing the available markets is paramount. Quite simply, bet on the outright or winner of the tournament, although this can be a tall order.

So, to be safe, wait until the tournament has started to place a more accurate bet, depending on the stats. Also, consider markets like the Top 5 Finish, Top 10 Finish, First Round Leader, and other popular markets.

Meanwhile, it would help to know a thing or six about the golf course. By this, there's no need to know every cup in the course, but just the course layout and location. For instance, West Coast Swing golf courses are traditionally bumpy, meaning players from the Southeast may struggle. Overall, look at how comfortable a player can be on a playing surface before backing them.

Lastly, look at the weather forecast, just like in baseball. As said initially, cold air is far denser than warm air. So, when a cold club hits a cold golf ball, drag is a sure thing. Simply put, cooler energy decreases the travel distance by 1 or 2 yards for every 100 yards. Other weather factors to consider include rain, wind, and snow.

Developing a Golf Betting Strategy

Developing a solid strategy is crucial to increase your chances of success in golf betting. Here are some key steps to consider when creating your golf betting strategy:

  • Set Realistic Goals: Before diving into golf betting, set achievable targets and determine the amount of time and money you are willing to invest. Avoid chasing unrealistic profits and focus on long-term success.
  • Do Your Research: Thorough research is crucial for making informed betting decisions. Keep yourself updated with the latest news, player form, and course conditions. Gather data from reliable sources to identify value bets.
  • Identify Value Bets: Value betting is the key to long-term profitability. Look for players who are undervalued by the betting markets but have a realistic chance of performing well. Analyze the odds and compare them to your own assessment of a player's chances.
  • Bankroll Management: Proper bankroll management is vital for any form of betting. Set aside a dedicated bankroll for your golf bets and determine the amount you're comfortable risking on each wager. Avoid chasing losses and stick to your predetermined betting limits.
  • Be Selective: Quality is more important than quantity in golf betting. Rather than betting on every tournament or matchup, be selective and focus on opportunities where you have a strong edge. Patience and discipline are key to long-term success.
  • Track Your Bets: Keep a record of all your bets, including the tournament, player, market, odds, and outcome. Tracking your bets enables you to analyze your performance, identify strengths and weaknesses in your strategy, and make necessary adjustments.

US Open Golf Championship

Top Golf Betting Tips

Below are some helpful tips to help maximize the golf betting strategy:

⛳️ Don't always back the favorites: Golf is not short of shockers like in other sporting events. Sometimes, underdogs can pull an upset to claim the trophy. An example is Tiger Woods, who always has short odds to win a tournament when in top form. However, backing him instead of an in-form homegrown player with long odds can be a costly mistake. The oddsmaker is always happy to offer longer odds to an unproven golfer.

⛳️ Don't ignore the in-form golfer: Betting on an in-form golfer is arguably the best way to win something here. For example, a bookie can offer +200 for Abraham Ancer to finish inside the top 10. Suppose the player has finished in five consecutive top 20s, then the odds are just too good to pass by. You never know; Abraham may end up even finishing among the best 10.

⛳️ Best players for major tournaments: Most recent major championships have been dominated by renowned names if the stats are not wrong. For instance, Koepka was ranked fourth worldwide when he bagged the 2018 PGA. On the other hand, Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters winner, was ranked 24th before the tournament. Now this means the chances of a world-class golfer (Top 25) to win a major event are high.

⛳️ Course history: It is foolhardy to place money on the head of a specific golfer without considering their record on the respective course. In plain words, always look at how a golfer performs in a particular course. In addition, regional familiarity should never be overlooked, as a homegrown golfer is likely to perform well in a local golf course.

⛳️ Follow Expert Analysis: Stay updated with expert analysis and insights from reputable sources. This will provide you with additional perspectives and help you make more informed decisions.

Managing Your Golf Betting Bankroll

Effective bankroll management is crucial for long-term success in golf betting. Here are some tips to help you manage your betting bankroll:

1. Set a Budget: Determine the amount of money you're willing to allocate to your golf betting bankroll. This should be an amount that you can afford to lose without affecting your financial stability.

2. Define Your Unit Size: A unit is a percentage of your bankroll that you're comfortable risking on each bet. Experts recommend betting 1-5% of your bankroll per wager, depending on your risk tolerance.

3. Stick to Your Unit Size: Maintain discipline and avoid increasing your unit size after a win or chasing losses by increasing your stake. Consistency is key to long-term profitability.

4. Adjust Unit Size as Bankroll Grows or Shrinks: As your bankroll grows or shrinks, adjust your unit size accordingly. This will help you maintain a consistent betting strategy and protect your bankroll from significant losses.

5. Avoid Chasing Losses: Experiencing losing streaks is a part of sports betting. It's important to avoid chasing losses by increasing your bet size or making impulsive decisions. Stick to your strategy and trust the process.

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About the author
Ethan Moore
Ethan Moore

Ethan "BetMaster" Moore, born amidst the pulsating energy of London, combines a sharp analytical mind with the excitement of sports. As the chief writer for BettingRanker, he offers a unique blend of stats, strategies, and stories, making the world of sports betting both accessible and thrilling.

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What is golf betting and how is it different from other sports betting?

Golf betting involves placing wagers on the outcome of golf tournaments or the performance of individual golfers. Unlike team sports betting, where you often bet on the outcome of a single game, golf betting typically focuses on the winner of a tournament that takes place over several days. The odds for golf betting can also change more dramatically due to the nature of the sport.

Why shouldn’t I always bet on the favorite in golf?

Betting on the favorite doesn't always work well in golf because the sport often sees underdogs or less talked about players winning tournaments. Odds for favorites may not offer as much value, and there's potential for greater profit by finding an in-form player with longer odds who has a good chance to win or place high.

What does betting on an 'outright winner' mean in golf?

Betting on an outright winner means you are placing a bet on a golfer to win the entire tournament. This type of bet can be challenging because it requires predicting who will come out on top amongst a large field of competitors over several rounds of golf.

How can the weather affect my golf betting?

Weather plays a significant role in golf as it affects playing conditions. Cold weather can make the ball travel less distance, while wind can alter the ball's trajectory. Rain can make the course softer and change how the ball reacts on the greens. It's important to consider the forecast when placing bets, as it can impact players' performances.

What is bankroll management in golf betting?

Bankroll management is the process of controlling how much money you wager on golf bets to avoid losing more than you can afford. It involves setting a budget, deciding on a unit size for each bet which is a small, consistent percentage of your total bankroll, and sticking to this strategy to minimize losses over the long term.

Why is it important to track my bets in golf betting?

Tracking your bets helps you analyze your betting performance over time. It allows you to see which types of bets are successful for you, understand where you might be making mistakes, and adjust your strategy accordingly. This practice can lead to better decision-making and improved results.

Should I consider a golfer's form before placing a bet?

Yes, considering a golfer's form is crucial. A golfer who has been performing well in recent tournaments or has a history of doing well on a particular course is often a good bet. Form can indicate that a player's game is in a good place and they might be more likely to succeed.

Why is it helpful to know about the golf course when betting?

Knowledge of the golf course is important because each course is different and some players perform better on certain types of courses. For example, if a player has consistently performed well on courses with bumpy greens, they may have a better chance at a tournament played on a similar course.

How does following expert analysis help in golf betting?

Expert analysis can provide insights that you may not have considered, such as details about a player's technical adjustments or strategies suited to the course. Experts often have inside information or a deep understanding of the game that can help inform your bets and lead to more successful outcomes.

Why should I avoid chasing losses in golf betting?

Chasing losses, or betting more after a loss in an attempt to recover lost money, can lead to even bigger losses. It's a common mistake in gambling, where emotions rather than logic dictate decisions. Sticking to a pre-defined strategy and accepting losses as part of the betting process is essential for long-term success.

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