Betting Strategy Guide
How to Bet on Golf
Key takeaways
- Golf betting covers the tournament winner, top 5, 10 and 20 finishes, head-to-head matchups and whether a player makes the cut.
- Outright odds are long because golf fields are large: a $10 bet at +2000 wins $200, an implied probability of about 4.8%.
- When players tie for the last paying place, many sportsbooks apply dead-heat rules that reduce the payout, so check the house rules.
To bet on golf, you pick a player to win a tournament, to finish inside a set number of places or to beat another player. Most golf betting centers on PGA Tour events and the majors, with markets open before the first round and, where offered, during the tournament.
Common golf markets
- Outright winner: the player who wins the tournament, playoff included.
- Top 5, top 10 and top 20: the player finishes inside those places. Prices are shorter than the outright.
- Matchups: head-to-head, you pick which of two players finishes better over the event or a single round.
- Make or miss the cut: in most stroke-play events the field is cut after 36 holes. Some events have no cut.
- Each-way, where offered: two equal bets in one, one on the player to win and one on a top finish paid at a fraction of the win odds. A $10 each-way bet costs $20.
Availability varies by event. See the PGA Tour odds or browse all golf betting.
A worked example
| Bet | Odds | Stake | Profit | Implied probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outright winner | +2000 | $10 | $200 | 4.8% |
| Top 10 finish | +300 | $10 | $30 | 25.0% |
| Matchup | -110 | $110 | $100 | 52.4% |
The longer the price, the less often the bet should win. See how to read betting odds.
Dead heats and ties
When players tie for the last paying place, a common dead-heat rule splits your stake by the number of tied players and pays only that share at full odds. If two players tie for 10th, a $10 top-10 bet at +300 returns $20 instead of $40. A tied matchup may be a push or a separate outcome. These rules vary, so check the house rules.
What to consider before you bet
- Course fit: long courses suit big hitters, tight ones reward accuracy, and greens differ from week to week.
- Form: ball striking over recent events says more than one finish.
- Weather and tee times: the first two rounds are played in morning and afternoon waves. Wind forecast for one wave can favor the other.
- Field strength: majors draw deeper fields, which lengthens every price.
A matchup works like a moneyline, and golf bets can go into a parlay where offered. Terms are in the betting dictionary.
Betting at Betcris Arizona
Betcris Arizona is licensed by the Arizona Department of Gaming. You must be 21 or older and located in Arizona to place a bet. Check the current promotions before you bet, and read our responsible gaming policy. If gambling stops being fun, call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does top 10 mean in golf betting?
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The player must finish in the top 10 places, ties included. If players tie for the last paying place, dead-heat rules usually reduce the payout.
How does a golf matchup bet work?
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You pick which of two players finishes better over the tournament or a round. A tie can be a push or a separate outcome, depending on the house rules.
What happens to my golf bet if a player withdraws?
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At many sportsbooks a bet on a player who withdraws before teeing off is void, while a withdrawal after starting counts as a loss. Check the house rules for the exact treatment.
What is an each-way bet in golf?
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Two bets of the same stake: one on the player to win and one on a top finish, paid at a fraction of the win odds. Where offered, the places and the fraction are set for each event.
