Popular golf markets
How golf betting works
Golf is a long-odds sport: even favourites are often +500 or longer. That's why each-way betting is so popular — see the each-way calculator. Top 5/10/20 and matchups give lower-variance options, and first-round leader markets offer fast action.
Dead heats
Ties are common in golf. If your player ties for the last paying place, dead-heat rules reduce your payout proportionally. It's a frequent surprise for new golf bettors.
Golf bet types explained
| Bet | Example | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Outright winner | Scheffler +450 | Most favourites are +400 or longer |
| Each-way | $10 e/w at +4000, 8 places at 1/5 odds | Two bets: one to win, one to place |
| Top 5 / 10 / 20 | Top 10 at +200 | Dead-heat rules apply to ties |
| Matchups | Player A vs Player B (72 holes) | Pick who finishes higher |
| 2-balls and 3-balls | Round-by-round pairings | Fast, low-variance options |
| First-round leader | +3000 | Settles after round one; ties are common |
| Make / miss the cut | Make the cut −200 | Good for steady players |
Each-way and dead heats: worked examples
Each-way: a $10 each-way bet (total stake $20) on a player at +4000, paying 8 places at 1/5 odds. The player finishes 5th: the win part loses $10, and the place part pays at +800 (one fifth of +4000) — $90 back on that $10. Net profit: $70.
Dead heat: a $10 top-10 bet at +200. Your player ties for 10th with three others — four players for one place. Your stake is divided by four: $2.50 is paid at +200 ($7.50 back) and the rest is lost. Net: −$2.50, even though your player "finished top 10". Work these out in the each-way calculator.
The golf betting calendar
| Event | When |
|---|---|
| The Masters | April |
| PGA Championship | May |
| US Open | June |
| The Open Championship | July |
| FedEx Cup Playoffs | August |
| Ryder Cup | Every two years; next in September 2027 at Adare Manor, Ireland |
Golf betting tips
- Match the course to the player — long hitters, accurate drivers and good putters suit different courses.
- Check the weather and tee times — a calm morning wave can give half the field an advantage.
- Compare each-way terms as well as prices — extra places are worth a lot.
- Spread small stakes across several players rather than one big outright.
Where to bet on golf
- bet365 — wide markets and strong each-way terms.
- DraftKings and FanDuel — PGA Tour matchups, props and majors.
Compare prices with the odds converter and see best betting sites.
