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 — and with the rise of sports betting, fans can nowadays enjoy golf betting on nearly every angle of all the tournaments.

The Popularity of Golf Around the World

Golf enjoys a significant following in regions such as 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 — and with platforms like Everygame, a trusted online sportsbook, the experience now includes convenient and secure crypto sportsbook deposits for modern bettors.

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. Fans looking to wager on these competitions can find great value at Everygame, a long-established US sportsbook offering competitive golf odds year-round.

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.
• US 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 and several strong golf wagering options for wagering enthusiasts.
• 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, often dubbed the richest event outside the majors, boasts one of the highest purses in the sport — drawing bettors worldwide seeking the best golf betting odds available at Everygame Sportsbook.

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. Increased sponsorship and global media coverage continue to elevate the financial stakes in both men's and women’s golf, making tournaments more exciting at Everygame, a safe offshore sportsbook.

Golf’s Greatest Players: Legends and Current Stars

Over the past few decades, golf has been defined by legendary performances and star athletes. Understanding the impact and consistency of these players can help inform your betting decisions — whether you're picking tournament winners or building value-driven parlays.

Legends of the Game

• Tiger Woods – With 15 major wins and countless PGA records, Woods revolutionized golf’s popularity.
• Phil Mickelson – Renowned for his imaginative short game and thrilling finishes.
• Rory McIlroy – A five-time major winner with power off the tee and consistency in big events.
• Ernie Els & Vijay Singh – Dominated stretches of the 2000s with rock-solid ball striking and major success.

Today’s Top Golfers

• Jon Rahm – A dominant force with multiple global wins and a strong mental game.
• Scottie Scheffler – Two-time Masters champion with top-tier consistency.
• Brooks Koepka – Clutch in majors, Koepka thrives under pressure.
• Xander Schauffele & Patrick Cantlay – American mainstays known for week-in, week-out reliability.
• Lydia Ko & Nelly Korda – LPGA superstars with global wins and major success, popular choices for live and futures betting.

Popular Golf Betting Markets

Betting on golf provides an impressive variety of markets for fans, whether you prefer tournament-long wagers or quick-turnaround bets. Everygame offers both pre-match and in-play betting options, allowing you to stay engaged from the first tee shot to the final putt.

Pre-Match Betting Markets

• Tournament Winner – Bet on the outright winner of a golf event.
• Place Betting – Covers a player finishing in the Top 3, Top 5, or Top 10.
• First-Round Leader – Predict who will lead after Round 1.
• Make or Miss the Cut – Wager on whether a golfer survives the weekend cut.

These markets are ideal for traditionalists and value seekers alike, especially those familiar with field depth and current player form.

Matchup and Group Betting

• 3-Ball Betting – Bet on which golfer shoots the lowest score within a group.
• 2-Ball Betting – Choose who finishes with the better score between two players.
• Nationality Bets – Predict the top finisher from a specific country or region.

These types of wagers offer more flexibility and focus — perfect for bettors who study individual performance trends or follow certain players closely. Live options in these formats are also popular among users of our US sportsbook that supports real-time betting.

Golf Betting Strategies for Success

Success in golf betting hinges on smart planning, research, and flexibility. With multiple tournament types, varied formats, and changing conditions, building your strategy around sound fundamentals is essential.

Use Bonuses and Promotions

Everygame offers targeted golf betting promotions including stake-backs, boosted odds, and other sportsbook bonus offers. Check-out our promotions page and take full advantage of these offers to increase potential returns and reduce risk.

Analyze Course History and Player Form

Course history matters. Augusta National, for example, suits players with sharp iron play, while Open Championship venues favor creative shot-makers comfortable in windy links conditions. Always check recent finishes and performance trends before placing a golf wager.

Look for Momentum and Value

Some players heat up at the right time — back those on hot streaks and avoid those missing cuts. Consider underdog betting, as betting on favorites sometimes doesn't deliver value. Identifying undervalued players in strong form can be more profitable.

Monitor Weather Forecasts

Conditions like wind or rain can drastically affect play. Certain players thrive in tough elements — others falter. Use weather insights to place smarter bets before or during a tournament.

By staying flexible and well-informed, you can gain an edge across pre-match and live markets — particularly when using a crypto sportsbook that supports fast, secure betting in dynamic conditions.

Final Thoughts on Golf Betting

Whether you prefer PGA betting or wagering on other tournaments, it all blends strategy, research, and a touch of intuition — all of which make it one of the most rewarding experiences in online sports wagering. With deep tournament fields, global coverage, and weekly action, golf provides year-round opportunities for sharp bettors.

From backing an outright winner at a major to making an in-play bet on a rising star mid-tournament, Everygame Sportsbook gives you the tools to wager with confidence. As one of the best sportsbooks, we deliver fast payouts, top odds, and golf live betting for every major event on the golf calendar.

From the thrill of the US Masters to head-to-head betting at the Ryder Cup, your next big win could be one swing away. Sign up at Everygame and tee off with one of the best brands in the online sports betting USA landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best golf tournaments to bet on?

The best tournaments include the four Majors — The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. Other top events like the Ryder Cup, The Players Championship, and FedEx Cup Playoffs offer excellent betting markets and global interest.

Can I place live bets during a golf tournament?

Yes! Live betting is one of the most exciting ways to engage with golf. You can place bets on round leaders, hole outcomes, and head-to-head matchups as the tournament progresses.

Is it legal to place wagers in the US?

Online sports betting laws vary by state. Many regions in the United States now allow legal wagering, while others still restrict access or do not allow certain categories or markets. That’s why many bettors prefer a safe offshore sportsbook like Everygame, which welcomes US players and offers a trusted betting experience across all major sports.

Can I deposit with crypto at Everygame Sportsbook?

Yes, you can! Everygame supports fast and secure cryptocurrency transactions in addition to traditional payment methods such as credit cards and bank transfers. As a crypto-friendly sportsbook, we accept Bitcoin and other popular digital currencies, giving you flexibility and speed for both deposits and withdrawals.

Can I take advantage of golf betting promotions?

Yes! Check the Everygame Special Offers page regularly. We offer free bets, stake-back promotions and deposit bonuses specifically for golf events throughout the season.