Golf

A Brief History of Golf

Golf traces its origins back to 15th-century Scotland, where the game was played using wooden clubs and feather-stuffed balls. The first recorded golf tournament took place in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland, setting the foundation for the modern sport. The game quickly spread across Europe and North America, leading to the formation of the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) and the rise of international tournaments. Today, golf is a global phenomenon with millions of enthusiasts and professional players competing at the highest levels.

The Popularity of Golf Around the World

Golf enjoys a significant following in various regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The sport’s accessibility and the rise of international talent have fueled its global growth. Countries such as South Korea and Japan have produced world-class players on the LPGA and PGA Tours, while emerging golfing nations like China and India are investing heavily in developing young talent. With a mix of tradition and modern appeal, golf continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Top Golf Tournaments to Bet On

The golf calendar is filled with high-profile events that attract the world's best players. These tournaments offer extensive betting markets and thrilling action from the first tee shot to the final putt.

The Major Championships

• The Masters (US Masters) – Held annually at Augusta National Golf Club, the US Masters is known for its rich history, the iconic Green Jacket, and a course that tests every aspect of a golfer’s game. Past champions like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Phil Mickelson have made history at Augusta.
• U.S. Open – A grueling test of skill and patience, the US Open is played on challenging courses with tough conditions that push players to their limits. The tournament is notorious for its high rough and demanding greens, rewarding those who show resilience and precision.
• The Open Championship (British Open) – Golf’s oldest major, 'The Open' is contested on historic links courses in the UK, featuring unpredictable weather and demanding shot-making. It has been the scene of legendary performances from players like Seve Ballesteros, Tom Watson, and more recently, Rory McIlroy.
• PGA Championship – Known for its elite fields and emphasis on shot-making, the PGA Championship has provided some of the most thrilling finishes in golf history. It is often played on courses that challenge both long hitters and those with excellent short games.

Other Elite Events

• The Ryder Cup – A thrilling biennial competition between Team USA and Team Europe, where national pride and fierce rivalries create an electric atmosphere.
• The Solheim Cup – The women’s equivalent of the Ryder Cup, featuring Team USA vs. Team Europe in a dramatic and competitive match-play format.
• The Players Championship – Often referred to as golf’s ‘fifth major,’ this event at TPC Sawgrass features the famous island green at the 17th hole.
• FedEx Cup Playoffs – A series of events determining the season’s champion on the PGA Tour, featuring a massive prize pool.
• The Dubai Desert Classic – One of the most prestigious events on the DP World Tour, attracting a strong international field.
• The Memorial Tournament – Hosted by Jack Nicklaus, this event is considered one of the most prestigious stops on the PGA Tour calendar.

Prize Money in Professional Golf

The prize money in professional golf has increased dramatically over the years, making it one of the most lucrative sports for top players. The PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Playoffs offer staggering payouts, with the overall winner taking home an enormous bonus. The Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship, and PGA Championship each offer prize pools exceeding $10 million, with winners receiving upwards of $2 million. The Players Championship boasts one of the richest purses in golf, surpassing many major championships.

The LPGA Tour has also seen significant growth in prize money, with events like the U.S. Women’s Open offering multi-million dollar prize pools. The increased sponsorship and global appeal of golf continue to drive financial growth in the sport.

Golf’s Greatest Players: Legends and Current Stars

Over the past 20-30 years, golf has been graced by some of the greatest players of all time. Understanding their dominance can help when placing bets.

Legends of the Game

• Tiger Woods – With 15 major wins and countless records, Tiger revolutionized golf and remains one of the sport’s biggest names.
• Phil Mickelson – Known for his incredible short game and thrilling victories, ‘Lefty’ remains a fan favorite.
• Rory McIlroy – A four-time major champion, McIlroy’s power and precision make him a strong betting choice.
• Ernie Els & Vijay Singh – These multiple major winners dominated the early 2000s and had incredible consistency.

Today’s Top Golfers

• Jon Rahm – The Spanish sensation has become a dominant force in world golf, winning multiple tournaments worldwide.
• Scottie Scheffler – The 2022 and 2024 Masters champion has shown immense consistency at the top level.
• Brooks Koepka – With multiple major wins, Koepka thrives in the biggest events.
• Xander Schauffele & Patrick Cantlay – These American stars are among the most consistent players on the PGA Tour.
• Lydia Ko & Nelly Korda – Two of the top women’s golfers, excelling on the LPGA Tour and in major championships.

Popular Golf Betting Markets

Golf betting offers a wide range of markets, from outright tournament winners to in-play wagering on the individual rounds.

Pre-Match Betting Markets

• Tournament Winner – Betting on the outright winner of an event.
• Place Betting – Covers a player to finish within the defined range of places (e.g. Top 8).
• Top 3, Top 5, Top 10 Finishes – Predicting a player to finish within a set range.
• Make/Miss the Cut – Betting on whether a player will survive the cut after two rounds.
• First-Round Leader – Betting on who will be leading after the first round.

Matchup and Group Betting

• 2-Ball & 3-Ball Betting – Wagering on which golfer will shoot the lowest score in a group pairing.
• Head-to-Head Matchups – Picking which of two players will perform better over the tournament or a single round.
• Nationality Bets – Betting on the top-performing player from a specific country.

Live/In-Play Betting Markets

• Live Tournament Winner – Placing bets on the tournament winner while play is ongoing.
• Live Tournament Top 3, Top 5, Top 10 Finishes – Betting on which player will finish within the offered set range.
• Live Head-to-Head Winner – Wagering on a player to finish better than another player (matchup betting).

Golf Betting Strategies for Success

Smart betting requires a blend of research, discipline, and strategy. Here are key tips to improve your golf betting approach.

• Use Betting Bonuses and Promotions - Everygame Sportsbook offers golf-specific bonuses, stake-backs, free bets, and bonuses. Check our Special Offers page to take advantage of these promotions and maximize your betting bankroll.
• Analyze Course History and Player Form - Some players excel on specific courses based on their playing style. For example, Augusta National favors strong iron players, while links courses benefit those comfortable in windy conditions. Research recent forms and past performances at each venue.
• Look for Streaking Players - Golfers often perform well in streaks. A player with recent top finishes may be worth backing, while someone struggling with missed cuts should be avoided.
• Consider Weather Conditions - Weather plays a massive role in golf. Wind and rain can favor certain players while making it tougher for others. Check forecasts before placing bets.
• Bet on Value, Not Just Favorites - The best betting opportunities often come from finding undervalued players rather than simply backing the favorites. Look for players with solid recent form and a history of strong performances on similar courses.
• Hedge Your Bets with In-Play Wagering - If your pre-tournament bet starts poorly, you can hedge by placing in-play bets to cover potential losses or capitalize on new opportunities.

Final Thoughts on Golf Betting

Betting on golf is an exciting way to engage with the sport, offering a strategic challenge and significant payout opportunities. With a deep understanding of the tournaments, players, and betting markets, you can make informed wagers at Everygame Sportsbook that enhance your enjoyment of the game. Whether you prefer outright betting, head-to-head matchups, or live wagering, there’s a golf betting strategy that suits every bettor.

Start placing your golf bets today and enjoy the thrill of wagering on the world's biggest tournaments!