Golf betting online: odds & online markets

An all-time classic sport, when it comes to shot-by-shot excitement and tournament upsets, the grand old game of golf really is no stranger to dark horse victories and bottom of the table comebacks. This likely explains why golf odds can be some of the most far-reaching and expansive out there.

Whether it’s putting your money down on Tommy Fleetwood to win the 2027 Masters or hoping that the European side once again comes out on top in the Ryder Cup, golf odds give you plenty of opportunity to bet on big names and big games in the run-up to each year’s prime golfing events.

Of course, knowing who you want to walk away with the trophy is one thing, but in order to win your wager, you’re going to need to know how to read the different golf betting odds available. So, here’s what you need to know about betting on golf with Betway.

How to read golf betting odds

Golf betting odds are usually shown as fractional odds, which highlight your potential profit relative to your stake. For example, 5/1 means you win £5 for every £1 bet. Converting fractional odds to decimals or implied probability helps you better understand potential returns and compare betting markets.

Calculated in the same way as other UK sporting odds, the fractional betting format informs you how likely a certain outcome is to occur, and how much you could win if it does – the bigger the golf odds, the less chance of something happening, but the bigger the payout if it actually does come to pass.

So, for example, if Rory McIlroy had odds of 8/5 to win the 2027 Masters, for every £5 you put in, you’d get £8 back, making a profit of £3 overall. Alternatively, if a new golfer entered the stage with odds of 22/1, each £1 bet would earn you £22 if they managed to eke out a victory.

Simple once you wrap your head around them, odds like these are typically set by bookmakers and are based on various factors that could impact a player’s ability to effectively compete, meaning if you’re planning on making golf bets of your own, you should keep an eye on how these odds change to help inform your betting decision.

Where can I find the latest golf odds?

Just like your local bookie, you can find the latest golf odds right here at Betway. Covering every major tournament of the year, we use the same strategic and careful considerations as other expert platforms to calculate our end odds, ensuring you have the fairest odds possible when making your wager.

To get started betting, simply sign up or log into your Betway account, make sure you’re verified, and once you’re ready, you can browse through each of our main fixtures until you find one you like the look of. And don’t forget that you can also visit our exclusive blog for expert analysis, stats, and golf betting tips before all those feet hit the green!

Popular golf betting markets

Being a sport of personal skill more than anything, golf betting markets stand out as being some of the most individually focused around. Naturally, there are some niche bets you can make, but if this is your first time putting down a golf wager, then we’d recommend going with one of the following:

• Tournament winner – A bet on which player will win the tournament in question.
• Each-way bet – A bet where you choose a player to win, while also picking where they will end up placing in the rankings if they don’t.
• Top finish – A bet on which segment you think your chosen golfer will place in. If you’re unsure about a player winning but think they'll perform well, these markets can be a safer option
• Head-to-head – A bet that one player will do better than another, either in one round or for the whole tournament.
• First round leader – A bet on which player will be in the lead after the first day of play.

How to bet in-play on golf: timing, market behaviour and risks

Golf tournaments can evolve dramatically over the course of a round. Players may start strong but can falter at critical moments. So, timing your bets is essential.

In-play betting allows you to place wagers as the action unfolds. For instance, if a player sinks a long putt early in the day, their odds might shorten. Conversely, if they struggle on the front nine, their odds could lengthen significantly. Understanding this market behaviour is crucial.

Nevertheless, you need to consider the risks of betting on golf. Since golf matches can shift rapidly, you might feel tempted to make impulsive bets. Instead, take a moment before Analyse the player's form, course conditions, and even weather changes before placing your bet. The reality is, a well-timed bet can yield great returns.

How to place golf bets online: app walkthrough and payment options

Getting started with online golf betting is simple – especially with Betway. Register in just a few steps, verify your account, and explore upcoming tournaments and markets. 

Choose your selections, set your stake, and place your bet with ease. You can also use the Betway app to follow live scoring and stats, while a range of secure payment options makes deposits and withdrawals straightforward.

What are the most popular golf tournaments to bet on?

While there are a huge variety of different golfing competitions you can bet on, if you’re an avid golfing fan, then we’d wager your main betting interests no doubt lie with the biggest golf tournaments that take place each year.

From the Masters and the US Open to the PGA Championship, when it comes to the major events of this sport, we have you covered. Here’s what you need to know about placing bets for the 5 most popular golf competitions:

The Masters

By far the most anticipated and prestigious golfing tournament of the year, the Masters is the competition to watch if you want to see the world’s best golfers face off against each other.

In the Masters, every single swing counts, with its gruelling course setup designed to test even the most experienced of pros in their ability to score below par while staying ahead of their closest competitors.

If there’s a specific golfing bet you want to make, then the Masters is the tournament to do it with.

The US Open

The premier US golfing event, the US Open arguably rivals the Masters in terms of player skill. However, rather than being restricted to the top 50 golfers worldwide, it’s open to any professional or amateur with a handicap index of 0.4 or lower.

Like the Masters, the US Open is definitely one tournament to watch if you’re hoping to see the best players compete. And as such, all the usual golf betting markets will be available for you to play with.

The Ryder Cup

A showdown between the 12 best European and US golfers, the Ryder Cup is a team competition to see which continent has the better players overall, meaning its betting markets may look a little different.

For example, one of the most popular Ryder Cup bets to make is on which team will be leading on a day-to-day basis. Essentially 3 separate bets in one, it’ll be on you to determine how you feel each team is performing at the end of each session of play.

The Open Championship

The oldest golfing championship in history, first held way back in 1860, the Open Championship takes place over 4 days and allows up to 156 golfers to compete at the same time.

However, after the 2nd day, only the top 70 golfers are allowed to stay on, so you’ll need to be sure that your player of choice has what it takes to pass through the knock-out stage and into the final round.

The PGA Championship

As with the Open Championship, the PGA Championship also sees 156 golfers competing. However, in order to qualify, players must be previous tournament winners for one of the year’s major golfing events.

Held exclusively in the US, as with the Masters, the PGA Championship is known for having tricky courses that truly test the skills of those who compete, and it’s not unheard of for even the best players to have a hard time staying near the top.

Common mistakes new bettors make on golf

When it comes to golf betting, new bettors often trip up in several areas. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when placing a bet on golf:

• Ignoring Course History: Each golfer has a unique relationship with different courses. A player may thrive at one venue but struggle at another. Always check past performances.
• Chasing Losses: Betting more to recover previous losses is a slippery slope. It can lead to reckless decisions and bigger losses. Stick to your strategy.
• Betting Without Research: Just like in any sport, knowledge is power. Don't just rely on gut feelings. Dive into stats, player conditions, and weather forecasts.
• Underestimating the Competition: Golf tournaments often feature a massive field. Don’t overlook lesser-known players who can surprise everyone.

Can I use the Betway app to bet on golf?

Whether you prefer pre-tournament bets or in-play action, the Betway Sports app lets you stay ahead of all the action! Download it now from the Play Store or the  App Store today to enjoy live betting, real-time updates, and exclusive offers right at your fingertips.

Golf betting FAQs

How do I read golf betting odds?

Golf odds are usually shown in fractional format; for example, 10/1 means a successful £1 stake returns £10 profit. Convert to decimal by adding 1 (10/1 = 11.00) for total return.

What is an each-way bet in golf?

An each-way bet is two stakes: one on a player to win and one on them to finish in a set number of places; payouts for the place part use reduced odds depending on the event.

How does in-play golf betting work?

In-play markets update during a tournament or round; prices shift based on scoring and momentum - quick decisions are required and odds can move after notable holes.

Can I use the Betway app to bet on golf?

Yes. The Betway app supports pre-match and in-play golf markets, secure payments and cash out where available - check the app markets for tournament-specific offerings.

What are the most common golf betting markets?

Common markets are outright winner, each-way placements, match bets (player vs player), top-10/20 finishes, and round-by-round leader bets.

How can I manage risk when betting on golf?

Use disciplined staking (fixed stakes or percentage-based), avoid oversized wagers on one market, and consider in-play hedging or cash out to limit losses.