The modern sport dates back to the 15th century and has roots in ancient Rome, Persia and China.
Nowadays, it is among the most popular sports across the globe, with major tournaments.
Players compete in the hopes of winning silverware and prizes from eight-figure cash pools.
Where there is competition, betting follows closely behind.
Golf Betting Markets
Betting on golf tournaments is quite unique.
There are no internal fixtures where golfers go head to head.
Instead, the major tournaments are held in 4 rounds.
Each round comprises 18 holes and the tournaments use stroke play.
After the second round, the top 50 players make the cut.
In the end, the player with the lowest number of strokes wins the tournament.
As the competitions have over 100 contestants, the odds are extremely long even on the favourites.
Outright Winner
Outright winner is as simple as it gets.
You will have to pick which golfer will win the tournament.
Outrights may be available long before the tournament begins.
you might expect favourites to have odds of 7 up to 10, and occasionally even longer.
Whilst betting on the outright favourite seems safe, remember that the odds are long for a reason.
There may be a good handful of players who are strong contenders to win the title.
This will undoubtedly change the odds.
The more places there are, the shorter the odds will be.
However, the risk will also reduce when there are more places offered in the bet.
Each Way
Each way falls between a moneyline and a place bet.
Let’s say that you want to bet on Rory McIlroy in the upcoming US Open tournament.
If McIlroy wins, the criteria from both bets are met.
If McIlroy only places, then only the place half of the bet wins.
This means that only $17 (3.4 x $5) is returned.
Versus the Field
To put it simply, this is the opposite of an outright winner bet.
The odds may be shorter than betting on an outright winner, but it is safer.
Your chosen golfer does not necessarily need to win the tournament.
As long as they can finish ahead of their opponent, you will win.
However, there can be some highly interesting match ups that may interest keen golf fans.
Those that finish in the top 50 at that point in time will make the cut.
The odds on the favourites to make the cut will be negligible if those bets are even offered.
Instead, it is better to look at players who will finish closer to the cut line.
Props
Props refer to certain events that may occur in a tournament or on specific statistics.
Golf is packed with events and statistics and therefore you will find no shortage of props bets.
These can relate to individual rounds or the overall tournament.
You may find bets on total eagles, birdies, bogeys, double bogeys, and so on.
Alternative Outrights
Bookmakers are not only interested in who wins a tournament.
There are other types of outrights that pose intriguing questions, and therefore, potential betting markets.
For example you may find bets on the top American/Chinese/British/Canadian/etc golfer.
However, not all bookmakers will offer every single market listed above.
A well-rounded bookmaker should have most, if not all, of the bets listed above.
Be sure to research your bets well and keep in mind that anything can happen.
Play responsibly and don’t forget to enjoy the tournaments and play for fun.
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