Golf isn’t just a game of skill, patience, and mental toughness—it’s also one of the most exciting sports to bet on. With unpredictable tournaments, ever-changing course conditions, and a massive field of competitors, golf betting offers opportunities that many sports don’t.
But for those new to betting on golf, the learning curve can feel steep. What’s the best way to approach it? How do you find value in a field of 150+ players? And what should golf fans know before placing their first bet?
To answer these questions, we sat down with Teemu Mattila, the top sports betting expert at Bojoko.com. Teemu has spent years analysing sports betting markets and is central in ranking Bojoko’s list of the best golf betting sites in the UK. Today, he’s here to break down the smart way to bet on golf—without overcomplicating things.
People who watch golf know that upsets happen all the time. How should that affect the way someone bets on golf compared to, say, football or tennis?
Golf is entirely different from team sports like football, and betting on golf comes with similar risks to betting on tennis. Even the best players don’t win as often as people think. A world-class golfer might play 25 events in a season and only win twice. That’s why betting on short-priced favourites isn’t always the smartest move—it’s just not the same as backing Man City to beat a mid-table team.
What makes golf great for betting is that the value is usually in the middle of the pack, not just the big names. Some guys at 30/1, 40/1, and even 80/1 have a real shot at winning. The trick is identifying who’s playing well and who suits the course that week.
That brings up an interesting point—players don’t play the same course every week. How much does that matter when betting?
It matters a lot. Golf courses aren’t like football pitches—they’re all completely different. Some courses favour big hitters, some reward precision, and some just have really tricky greens that certain players struggle with.
Take Augusta, for example. The Masters is always played there, and some players just always perform well on that course, no matter what their form is like coming in. Others—some of the biggest names in the game—have never quite figured it out. That’s a huge thing to consider when betting.
So before you bet, check the course history. See if a player has done well at that event before. Also, look at the course setup—does it reward long drives, great iron play, or putting? If a course demands accuracy off the tee and you’re backing a guy who’s been spraying it all over the place recently, you might be in trouble.
Golf is one of the few sports in which players compete over four days. How should that factor into people’s betting decisions?
A player can have one bad round and still win, or they can lead for three days and completely collapse on Sunday. That’s why patience is important when betting on golf.
One of the best betting strategies is to wait until the tournament is underway. If a player you like starts slow but still plays well, their odds might improve.
Also, golf is a sport of momentum. Some players are fantastic front-runners, meaning they’re tough to catch if they start well. Others tend to come from behind. Knowing that can help when placing in-play bets.
What’s one thing that casual golf bettors often overlook?
The weather. I can’t stress this enough—weather in golf is a game-changer.
If it’s a calm, sunny week, then the best players will usually rise to the top. But if there’s wind, rain, or cold conditions, that can level the playing field and create big upsets. Some players thrive in harsh weather, and others absolutely hate it.
Tee times are another factor. In many tournaments, half the field plays in the morning and half in the afternoon. If bad weather is rolling in later, the guys playing early on might get an advantage. That’s something worth checking before you bet.
Let’s talk about the odds. How do you know if a golfer is actually worth betting on?
Odds are just numbers—they don’t always tell the whole story. A player being 10/1 to win doesn’t mean they have a great chance—it just means the bookies think people will bet on them.
The key is finding value. You might see a player at 50/1 who has quietly been playing great golf for the last few weeks. That’s the kind of bet worth considering.
I always say, don’t be afraid to pass on bad odds. If a favourite is 6/1 but hasn’t been in great form, is that worth your money? Probably not.
What are some of the most fun bets people can place on golf?
Oh, there are plenty! One of my favourites is first-round leader bets. Some guys start hot but don’t always last four rounds, so instead of betting them to win the whole thing, you bet on them to lead after day one.
Match-up bets are also great. Instead of picking a tournament winner, you bet on one player to finish ahead of another. That’s a fun way to follow just two or three players instead of tracking the entire field.
And, of course, there’s each-way betting. That’s a great way to bet on outsiders because it pays out if they finish in the top five, eight, or even ten, depending on the bookie.
What’s your biggest piece of advice for someone who’s betting on golf for the first time?
Don’t just bet on the biggest names. Golf is too unpredictable for that. Look beyond the favourites and find players who fit the course and are in good form.
And most importantly, bet for fun, not stress. If you’re betting on golf, it should make watching the tournament more exciting, not more nerve-wracking. If a missed putt is ruining your weekend, you’re doing it wrong!
