The Best US Golf Betting Sites - 26th September 2022

Thanks to the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) and the legalization of sports betting in some US states, residents across the country can now bet on golf. Although there are over twenty professional golf tours, the PGA Tour is perhaps the most recognizable in the US and overseas. With so many golf betting options out there, finding the ideal bookie can be a little tricky. Here at Compare.bet, we have everything you need to know about betting on golf, from where you can legally bet on it to the biggest golfing events of the year.

Compare sites with our expert reviews and scores, and check out the bonuses on offer to pick out the bookie that suits you best. All of our featured sportsbooks are legal and regulated in the US, but please ensure that any site you select is licensed to operate in your state.

All that’s left for you to do is make your pick, sign up, and start betting!

How to Find the Right Golf Betting Site

Although all our recommendations have been vetted by our expert team, not every site is going to check yours. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting your next online golf betting site.

Most Popular Golf Betting Events

The most popular events on the golf calendar are the four majors: the Open Championship (British Open), the US Open, the Masters, and the PGA Championship. 

• The Masters
  Date: April 7–10, 2022
  Location: Augusta, Georgia
  2021 Champion: Hideki Matsuyama
• PGA Championship
  Date: May 19–22, 2022
  Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
  2021 Champion: Phil Mickelson
  
• The US Open
  Date: June 13–19, 2022
  Location: Brookline, Massachusetts
  2021 Champion: Jon Rahm
  
• The Open Championship (British Open)
  Date: July 14–17, 2022
  Location: Fife, Scotland
  2021 Champion: Collin Morikawa

Although there are just four major events, there’s no shortage of online golf betting opportunities. As well as the majors, there are also international events such as the Ryder Cup and the Four World Golf Championship.

On top of this, there are over 20 professional golf tours, each with an incredible number of tournaments you can bet on. The PGA Tour is the biggest and most popular golf tour and features some of the best players in the world like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Rose.

Golf Tournaments Calendar

Factors to Consider when Betting on Golf

As with any kind of sports betting, there is no such thing as a guaranteed winner when it comes to golf. Although the odds set by a bookie can give you an indication who is the favorite to win, there is no guarantee that this prediction will be right. Although there are hundreds of tipsters out there offering golf betting tips and advice, anything can happen in a golf game so we recommend doing your own research as this will help you make an educated and informed bet.

Take time to check out a player’s stats on the official PGA Tour statistics page. Here you can view an individual golfers’ cup standing as well as performance in a number of areas such as driving distance, scoring average and accuracy. Golf is an incredibly unpredictable sport, so making an educated wager is your best bet.

Current Form/Stats

Assessing a player’s form coming into an event is one of the first things to look at when placing a bet. One way to do this is to check out the most recent statistics and results — this’ll help you get a feel for a golfer’s strengths and whether they’re suited to a particular event. Big bombers like Cameron Champ could potentially obliterate a long-course with wide open fairways. Brilliant scramblers like Matt Kuchar, on the other hand, are much more likely to excel at an event like the Open. Look to stats like strokes gained, driving distance, and greens-in-regulation to gain an edge in determining your pick. Golf is a never-ending stats fest, and these key insights are freely available on golf tour websites. 

Weather

The elements play a big factor when choosing who to back. A player comfortable in the wind and rain like Shane Lowry is much more likely to prosper in his native Irish Open than a golfer used to calmer conditions. Timing can also be crucial, so it’s good to have an idea of what the weather will be like over the four days. For example, morning starters may bear the brunt of the weather, whereas the afternoon wave may be going out in the still, glorious sunshine. This is especially important when placing a first-round leader bet. 

Course Form 

Much like stats, course form can be a brilliant indicator of who will be near the top of the leaderboard come Sunday. Some players just love a particular venue. Think of Jordan Spieth at the Masters. Indeed, there are lots of examples of multiple winners at the same event. Recently, Lee Kyoung-hoon defended his 2021 win at the AT&T Byron Nelson — these are the only two wins he has on the PGA Tour. Paul Casey also did this at the Valspar Championship in 2018 and 2019. Going one step further, golfers usually do well at courses designed by the same architect, or at venues with the same type of grass on the greens like Poa annua.

In-Play 

Golf can be one of the best sports to bet in-play due to the volatility of a final day and the length of time the event can take. If you can spot a player trending upwards from the bottom of the field early during the event, you can usually get great odds, and sometimes get much better odds than if you picked that player pre-event. Betting exchanges like Betfair are especially good if you like to spot value in-play. 

Place Terms 

Many bookmakers offer generous place terms, especially around the 4 Major championships. This usually comes at the detriment of the each-way return, with most bookmakers offering ⅕  the odds for each-way terms. If this is too skinny for you, there will usually be a few bookmakers offering fewer places at ¼ the odds. 

Different Markets

As the chances of hitting an outright golf bet can be particularly difficult, betting on 3-ball groups, top 20/40 finishes, and players making the cut are all appealing options to add to the staking plan. An outsider you fancy at long odds can also be a great value pick to finish in the top 40. Conversely, a short odds player you’re not keen on can be a fun bet to miss the cut. 

Comparing Sportsbooks

Many sportsbooks will have varying odds for players across the field, so it’s good to compare them before placing a bet. Some sportsbooks like Bet365 also offer odds boosts on certain players before PGA Tour events, so even more value can be extracted if you do your research across the sites.

Betting Options

In states where it’s legal to bet on golf, sportsbooks offer a wide selection of golf betting markets. In the US, golf fans can place the following bets:

Head-to-Head

In golf betting, a head-to-head bet is where you’re betting on which of two players will post the better score. If the match-up is relatively even, the players may have similar odds. If not, it’s easy to tell which is the favorite as they’ll have the shorter odds.

Futures

Futures bets are placed on events that have yet to happen. For instance, you could place a wager on the outcome of next year’s Open Championship, or upcoming tournaments such as The Masters. As so much can happen during an event, it is wise to let the action play out a little before placing your bet to see who is carrying the best form. 

Prop Betting

Proposition bets, or prop bets, focus more on the likelihood of a certain event taking place during a game. When it comes to golf, there are a variety of proposition bets on offer. 

A few examples include:

• The winner being decided by a playoff.
• Whether the winner will birdie the last hole.
• If a player will shoot less than 59 in any round.

To Make the Cut

Some bookies offer odds on which player will make the cut. In golf, the ‘cut’ refers to the number of points that splits the players that progress from those that are eliminated from the tournament after a certain round. These bets allow you to wager on whether a player will make it to the next stage of a tournament or who will be going home.

Top Point Scorer

During some tournaments, you can bet on which player will score the highest total number of points.

Live Betting

Plenty of US golf betting sites let punters make in-play bets — that’s where you place a wager while the round is in play. If you’re not sure who to bet on, you can wait to see who’s at the top of their game and bet accordingly. Of course, the bookies will adjust their odds in real-time, so your potential returns are likely to differ if you’d placed the bet pre-match.

Bonuses

All the best golf betting sites offer some form of bonus to punters, whether it’s for signing up or returning to the site. Here’s a quick primer on what to watch out for and how you can claim a promotion for yourself. 

First Deposit Bonuses

Sometimes called matched deposits, first deposit bonuses are handed out when you sign up at a new site and add funds to your account for the first time. A typical offer might look like this:

• 100% Match up to $300 on Your First Deposit of At Least $20

In this instance, when you deposit at least $20 with a qualifying payment method, the sportsbook doubles your money with bonus credits. If you deposit the full $300, you’d get another $300 for $600 in total to wager. 

Free Bets

With a free bet, the bookie gives you a token that can be used to bet on specified markets. It might be given as part of a sign-up bonus or as part of an existing player promotion. They can be claimed by making a qualifying bet, or in the case of no deposit promotions, you can get your hands on one for free. 

• Deposit $20 and get $50 in Free Bets

Another popular format is a risk-free first bet which is where you receive a refund in the form of a free stake if your qualifying bet fails to come in. 

Bonus Terms and Conditions

As with many things in life, sportsbook bonuses will always come with strings attached. Here are the main terms and conditions to keep your eyes out for:

• Eligible markets – It is common for the use of bonus funds to be tied to specific markets. So if you want to use a promotion on any golf markets, make sure they are included in the bonus terms. Some bet types, such as parlays, may also be excluded from some bonuses too. 
• Wagering requirements – Wagering requirements are the number of times you must wager the value of your deposit, bonus, or indeed both before you can withdraw any of your bonus winnings. They’re usually fairly low, between 1x and 10x, but they can still impact how you use a bonus.
• Minimum odds – Sportsbooks want to avoid players making an easy return on a low odds bet, which is why they are restricted to wagers above the minimum odds.Typical minimum odds will often be around the 100 mark.
• Time limits – It is very common for betting sites to set a limit on how long you can use your bonus funds after claiming them. Make sure you understand these terms before your bonus credit expires.
• Excluded deposit methods – You need to use an eligible deposit method in order to qualify for the bonus.Commonly excluded methods are e-wallets such as PayPal or Skrill.

Betting Odds

Before you place a golf bet, it’s essential that you understand how golf betting odds work. Some of the biggest events in golf can see over 140 players competing so it’s not uncommon to see a lot of odds fluctuating at a regular rate.  

At US golf betting sites, odds are usually represented in the American format, where more likely outcomes get a negative number and less likely outcomes get a positive number. Positive odds reflect how much you must wager in order to claim $100 should your bet win, while negative odds demonstrate your payout should you wager $100. 

You’ll see pretty similar odds at all the largest sportsbooks as each site have a prerogative to set competitive prices. That said, discrepancies aren’t out of the question, so you might get a better deal if you shop around.

Here’s a real-world example of golf betting odds:

• During the US Open, Tiger Woods may be the favorite to win with odds of -200. That means to win $100, you need to stake $200. If the bet comes good, you’ll get $300 in total — that’s your stake and profit.
• The bookies think Jon Rahm is less likely to snatch the title, and his odds of winning are +400. If you bet $100 on him and he does win, you’ll get $400 profit plus your stake, so $500 in total.

Check out our how to read odds guide for a more detailed breakdown of exactly how betting odds work.

Betting on the Move Wherever You Are

Several states have moved to legalize online and mobile sports betting. This means that residents and visitors in these states can place legal bets on the outcome of a sporting event using a device connected to the internet. Sports betting odds are usually the same between online and land-based offerings, but you should always keep an eye out just in case the odds differ.

Remember, each state has different laws and regulations in place when it comes to online and mobile betting. This means that sports betting apps may vary from state to state. For instance, the regulations in New Jersey allow punters to create an account on a sports betting app remotely from anywhere within the state. Nevada, on the other hand, requires bettors to set up an account in person before a bet can be placed on a mobile app.

For more information on picking the right sports betting app for you, check out our mobile betting apps guide.

Best Golf Betting App

Many of our recommended online golf betting sites offer players a dedicated smartphone app which can be used to wager on golf. One of our favorites, however, is FanDuel which originally made its name on fantasy sports betting. The FanDuel betting app offers the following features:

• iOS and Android compatible – Whatever handset you’ve got, it’s easy to install the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.
• Wide selection of markets – Whether you’re betting on the winner of a golf major or who will make the cut, you’ll get full access to the same great range of bets available at the FanDuel desktop site, including in-plays and parlays.
• Access to bonuses –  You can take advantage of FanDuel’s ongoing promotions, including odds boosters, parlay insurance, and risk-free bets.

Deposits and Withdrawals at Golf Betting Sites

Once you’re signed up at one of our top golf betting sites, you’ll need to make a deposit so you can place some bets. Let’s dive into a few popular choices among punters.

Debit and Credit Cards

Widely accepted and easy to use, it’s hard to go wrong with debit or credit cards. The latest encryption standards make them highly secure, and you’ll get decent transaction speeds with deposits often instant. Withdrawals, however, can be a little slower, typically taking between one to five working days. Nonetheless, these methods are generally always eligible for bonuses. 

e-Wallets

PayPal, Skrill, and other e-wallets come with a whole host of benefits. You won’t have to share your bank details with the sportsbook, and you’ll get access to the quickest withdrawals which can process in as little as 24 hours in some cases. One drawback, however, is that e-wallets can often be disqualified from bonus offers.

Online Banking

Another quick and easy way to transact at a sportsbook is with online banking. Just log in to your bank’s portal with your usual credentials to make the deposit or withdrawal. The payout times for this method are some of the slowest around, however, taking a minimum of five working days in most instances. 

Prepaid Cards

A great option for those who want to control their spending, prepaid cards like Paysafecard can be bought at retail stores and used to top up your casino account. They come in denominations from $10 to $100 and allow you to keep your banking details private when depositing your funds. Unfortunately, however, there are no withdrawals possible with prepaid cards like Paysafecard.

Cryptocurrencies

One method you’re less likely to see at golf betting sites is cryptocurrency, with Bitcoin and Ethereum the two of the most prominent examples. There are a few reasons to choose crypto for your deposits and withdrawals. Speed is one of the main ones — most cryptocurrency transactions are carried out instantly, so it’s one of the fastest withdrawal methods around. And since all transaction information is stored anonymously on a public ledger, there’s a strong degree of security making fraudulent transactions unlikely. 

The main drawback of cryptocurrencies is their lack of availability when betting on golf. That said, support is increasing all the time within the iGaming industry. There can also be some small fees associated with crypto transactions.

It’s important to note that cryptocurrencies can be rather volatile — you’ve likely seen some of Bitcoin’s massive price fluctuations in the news. For that reason, make sure to do your homework before considering this payment method at golf betting sites. You’ll also need a free crypto wallet to get started. 

Players to Watch

Legends like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are household names, but who else competes in the sport? There are loads of big names to familiarize yourself with if you want to bet wisely. Let’s take a look at some below.

American

Justin Thomas

• Nationality: American
• Professional Wins (as of August 2022): 17
• Best Major Results: 
  • Masters Tournament – 4th in 2020.
  • PGA Championship – Winner in 2017 and 2022.
  • US Open – T8 in 2020.
  • The Open Championship – T11 in 2019.
• PGA Player of the Year Wins: 2 (2017, 2020)

Will Zalatoris

• Nationality: American
• Professional Wins (as of August 2022): 2
• Best Major Results: 
  • Masters Tournament – 2nd in 2021
  • PGA Championship – 2nd in 2022
  • US Open – T2 in 2022
  • The Open Championship – T28 in 2022
• PGA Player of the Year Wins: 0 (won Rookie of the Year in 2021)

Scottie Scheffler

• Nationality: American
• Professional Wins (as of August 2022): 6
• Best Major Results: 
  • Masters Tournament – Won in 2022
  • PGA Championship – T4 in 2020
  • US Open – T2 in 2022
  • The Open Championship – T8 in 2021

• PGA Player of the Year Wins: 0 (won Rookie of the Year in 2020)

Dustin Johnson

• Nationality: American
• Professional Wins (as of August 2022): 28
• Best Major Results: 
  • Masters Tournament – Won in 2020
  • PGA Championship – 2nd/T2 in 2019, 2020
  • US Open – Won in 2016
  • The Open Championship – T2 in 2011

• PGA Player of the Year Wins: 1 (2016)

Xander Schauffele

• Nationality: American
• Professional Wins (as of August 2022): 10
• Best Major Results: 
  • Masters Tournament – T2 in 2019
  • PGA Championship – T10 in 2020
  • US Open – T3 in 2019
  • The Open Championship – T2 in 2018

• PGA Player of the Year Wins: 0 (won Rookie of the Year in 2017)

International

Matthew Fitzpatrick

• Nationality: English
• Professional Wins (as of August 2022): 8 
• Best Major Results: 
  • Masters Tournament – T7 in 2016
  • PGA Championship – T5 in 2022
  • US Open – Won in 2022
  • The Open Championship – T20 in 2019

• PGA Player of the Year Wins: 0

Cameron Smith

• Nationality: Australian
• Professional Wins (as of August 2022): 8
• Best Major Results: 
  • Masters Tournament – T2 in 2020
  • PGA Championship – T13 in 2022
  • US Open – T4 in 2015
  • The Open Championship – Won in 2022

• PGA Player of the Year Wins: 0

Rory McIlroy

• Nationality: Northern Irish
• Professional Wins (as of August 2022): 34
• Best Major Results: 
  • Masters Tournament – 2nd in 2022
  • PGA Championship – Won in 2012, 2014
  • US Open – Won in 2011
  • The Open Championship – Won in 2014

• PGA Player of the Year Wins: 2 (2012, 2014)

Josef Straka

• Nationality: Austrian
• Professional Wins (as of August 2022): 2
• Best Major Results: 
  • Masters Tournament – T30 in 2022
  • PGA Championship – T66 in 2020
  • US Open – T28 in 2019
  • The Open Championship – CUT in 2022

• PGA Player of the Year Wins: 0

Sungjae Im

• Nationality: South Korean
• Professional Wins (as of August 2022): 5
• Best Major Results: 
  • Masters Tournament – T2 in 2020
  • PGA Championship – T17 in 2021
  • US Open – 22nd in 2020
  • The Open Championship – T81 in 2022

• PGA Player of the Year Wins: 0 (won Rookie of the Year in 2019)

Other Sports to Bet On at Golf Betting Sites

Of course, golf isn’t the only thing on offer at golf betting sites. All our recommended sportsbooks cover a fantastic range of markets on the most popular sports and leagues, all the way down to the most obscure. Here are just a few of the things you can bet on alongside golf.

Football

American football is one of the country’s most beloved sports. The NFL Super Bowl is one of the world’s most watched sporting events, and all our recommended sportsbooks provide ample coverage of the league. With 32 teams, each competing in 17 matches during the regular season, there’s no shortage of betting opportunities on American football. 

Bettors can also wager on collegiate events — provided doing so is permitted by state laws — like NCAA football, as well as lesser-known leagues from around the globe. Moneyline bets, futures, props, spreads, and over/under bets are all popular choices when it comes to football betting.

Basketball

Basketball delivers some of the most intense sports action you can find. The NBA is the premier league in the world, so it comes as no surprise that you’ll find plenty of basketball betting at our recommended sportsbooks. 

Each of the NBA’s 30 teams plays 82 matches in the regular season, so there’s a wealth of games to bet on. The top eight teams from the Eastern and Western conferences progress to the play-offs, with the victor lifting the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. 

Due to the smaller teams and more individual nature of the sport, prop bets are often popular in basketball.

Tennis

Tennis has played host to some of sport’s greatest rivalries over the years. And with all-time greats like Rafa, Roger, and Novak creeping closer to retirement, it’s an exciting time to see who fills the gaps they leave — if that’s even possible! 

There are many prestigious tennis tournaments throughout the year. The Grand Slam events — Wimbledon, the US Open, Australian Open, and French Open — attract millions of bettors around the world. 

Tennis is a particularly exciting sport for in-play betting, especially when two evenly matched players are battling it out for the win. Those most familiar with the sport might like to try set betting as well.

Horse Racing

Top horse races like the Kentucky Derby attract huge numbers of viewers, even those who don’t proclaim a particular interest in the sport. At our recommended betting sites, you’ll get access to plenty of daily horse racing markets from around the world. 

If you’re new to the sport, simple win, place, or each-way bets are a great place to start. More adventurous gamblers might like to explore complex betting systems like Trixie, Yankee, or Heinz. Many bookmakers offer promotions on horse racing as well, like best odds guaranteed or parlay insurance which refunds your stake in the event one leg fails.

Responsible Gambling

While gambling is an enjoyable and exciting hobby for most, there’s potential for it to become addictive. At Compare.bet, it’s part of our duty to educate our readers around the risks and harms of gambling. If at any point you’re worried about your gambling, don’t hesitate to seek support. 

We implore all bettors to exercise responsible gambling practices at all times. The list below offers some helpful strategies to keep in mind.

• Don’t bet more than you can afford. There’s no guarantee of winning when you gamble, so only bet what you’re okay with losing. 
• Stick to a budget and never chase losses. Decide on how much you want to spend before you start betting. If you hit the limit, it’s time to stop. Certain payment methods like prepaid cards are worth considering; they can make it easier to stick to your budget 
• Take breaks. It’s wise to pause often when gambling. And if you’d like to take a longer break — whether that’s days, months, or longer — you can use self-exclusion tools to lock down your betting accounts.
• Use on-site limiters. Golf betting sites let customers set account limits. This is a great way to keep a handle on how much time and money you spend on gambling.
• Never treat gambling as a way to make money. You’re never guaranteed a win.
• Only bet on sports you’re familiar with. Without at least some knowledge of the game, it’s harder to make sensible bets. 
• Don’t gamble when emotional, drunk, or under the influence of drugs. Your judgment could be impaired and you’ll be more likely to gamble irresponsibly. 
• Seek help if you need it. If you feel like gambling is impacting your life negatively, there’s lots of support available — we’ve highlighted some leading organizations in the following section.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Any time you gamble, it’s vital to be on the look-out for warning signs that might indicate problematic behavior. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Betting larger amounts to get the same enjoyment from gambling.
• Gambling more than you can afford to lose.
• Neglecting your responsibilities due to gambling, whether personal or professional.
• Spending a lot of time thinking or fantasizing about gambling. 
• Chasing losses.
• Choosing to gamble at the expense of other hobbies or social events.
• Feeling ashamed or anxious about gambling.
• Hiding your gambling from family and friends.
• Borrowing or even stealing money for gambling.

Where to Get Help

If any of the above list resonates with you, it’s essential you stop gambling immediately and seek help. It’s a good idea to tell someone close to you that you’re struggling with gambling too — you don’t have to face it alone.

The National Council on Problem Gambling runs a 24-hour problem gambling helpline which you can access via phone, text, or live chat:

• Phone: 1-800-522-4700
• Chat: ncpgambling.org/chat
• Text: 1-800-522-4700

There are a large number of state-specific problem gambling organizations too. You can find a list of problem gambling resources in your area on the NCPG website.

Gamblers Anonymous is a well-known problem gambling organization throughout the world. It runs support groups and counseling for gambling addicts, as well as a 12-step support program. You can find more information at GamblersAnonymous.org. 

For those finding themselves affected by someone else’s gambling, Gam-Anon offers counseling and advice. Visit Gam-Anon.org to get started.

Is Betting on Golf Legal?

Although the Supreme Court of the United States repealed the federal ban on sports betting, it is not legal in every state. However, the following states have legalized sports betting and offer golf betting.

Remember, each state has different rules and regulations in place when it comes to sports betting. Some of these states limit sports betting to land-based casinos, as is the case in Mississippi, where as other states such as new Jersey offer full scale sports betting across online and mobile platforms.