Golf
Betting
Golf betting is unique for its tournament format. Most events involve 100+ players competing against each other, making outright winner bets high-variance and high-value. The four major championships (Masters, PGA, US Open, Open Championship) drive the most action.
Golf Leagues in the US
Explore betting guides for each major golf league available at US sportsbooks.
PGA Tour
Professional Golfers Association Tour
The PGA Tour is the top professional golf circuit in the world and the primary focus of US golf betting. The Tour runs nearly year-round and includes the four m...
LIV Golf
LIV Golf League
LIV Golf is the Saudi-backed rival to the PGA Tour, launched in 2022. It features a 54-hole, no-cut format with both individual and team competitions. Despite t...
How to Bet on Golf
The main golf markets you'll find at any legal US sportsbook, with a one-line take on each.
Outright Winner
Pick the tournament winner. Field sizes of 100-156 players mean payouts run from +900 (favorites at majors) to +15000+ (longshots). The signature golf bet.
Top 5 / Top 10 / Top 20
Place bets that pay if your golfer finishes in the bracket. Lower variance than outright but lower payouts. Often better EV on consistent veterans.
Head-to-Head Matchups
Two golfers paired, you pick which finishes higher over 18 holes (round matchup) or 72 holes (tournament matchup). Eliminates the field, like a tennis match.
Make/Miss the Cut
Yes/no on whether your golfer survives Friday's cut to play the weekend. Cut percentage on Tour is around 60-65% for fully exempt players.
First Round Leader
Bet on who leads after Thursday's round. Massive longshot odds (+5000 to +15000). Lottery ticket but a staple Tour bet.
Golf Season Calendar
- Jan: PGA Tour West Coast Swing
- Mar: The Players Championship
- Apr: The Masters (Augusta National)
- May: PGA Championship
- Jun: US Open
- Jul: The Open Championship
- Aug: FedEx Cup Playoffs
- Sep: Tour Championship + Ryder Cup years
Most-Bet Golf Markets
The markets that drive the bulk of golf handle at US books.
- Outright winner
- Top 5 / Top 10 / Top 20
- Head-to-head matchups
- Make/Miss cut
- First round leader
Golf Betting FAQ
What are the four golf majors?
The Masters (April, Augusta National), PGA Championship (May), US Open (June), and The Open Championship (July, in the UK). Outright winner futures payouts are tighter at majors because elite players bunch at the top of the odds board.
How is LIV Golf different from the PGA Tour?
54 holes (no cut) vs 72 holes with a Friday cut. Smaller fields (54 players vs 100-156). Includes a team competition. Backed by Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.
Are head-to-head matchups easier than outright bets?
Yes, statistically. You pick between two players instead of one of 100+. Most matchups price -120 to +100 with juice, so the math is closer to coin-flip than longshot.
Why are first round leader props so popular?
They're lottery tickets. A $10 wager at +10000 returns $1,010 if you nail a Thursday leader. The variance is brutal but the upside makes them a Tour staple.