Golf is one of the sports growing in popularity in the online sports betting industry. It used to be a more exotic option among online bettors, but the situation is no longer the same. Nowadays, bookies allow people to bet on this sport and access many events.
Due to its growing popularity, many people seem to forget some important aspects of golf betting. Learning more about these things is crucial before placing any bets, so it’s time to analyze everything.
Not all sites for betting on golf are the same
Since the sport is gaining popularity, you will likely find it while using most online bookmakers. However, this does not mean that all sites are the same because a quick visit to the best golf bookmakers will show you why some are on another level. They will provide you with more events to bet on, substantially more markets and more competitive odds. In some cases, you can even find special features and promos to use when punting on golf.
Most of the big sites that offer more golf betting options are available in different parts of the world and have an international license. Sadly, some people can’t access these operators, so they need to look for a site that has a license from the local jurisdiction.
Course fit and player style
Golf is unique in many ways and people who follow it are aware of its specifics. One is related to the golf course itself because not all courses play the same. Some of the courses favor long hitters, whereas others reward accuracy and short-game finesse. Knowing those things will have a big impact on your overall betting experience because you have to adjust the markets you bet on.
Many online bettors often overlook how well a golfer’s skill set aligns with the course. Places like Augusta reward creativity, while some of the links courses, for example, test patience and adaptability in the wind.
Golf and the Weather Conditions
Almost all sports played outside can be heavily impacted by the weather, but this is definitely true when it comes to golf. Things like wind, temperature, and rain can greatly affect scoring conditions and how certain players behave. Sadly, this is one of the aspects that many bettors overlook.
Speaking of conditions, the morning and afternoon times can also create big differences in advantage if the weather worsens throughout the day. People often forget to check the conditions and make bad predictions.
From Isn’t Always Linear
To be completely honest, this applies to every sport, but it is even more important in golf. Every online bettor knows that the current form is important, but it is not everything. Even some of the best players in the world can miss multiple cuts and then suddenly win, so this is something you need to consider before you start betting.
It is common for a golfer who finished among the top 10 several weeks in a row to end up out of the top spots due to fatigue or regression. People betting on the sport need to consider this and be careful with what they pick.
The Depth of the Field
Golf is unique in many different ways and one of them is related to the fields. The sport has many other fields, some of which are huge and can have up to 120+ players, but only one of them will be the winner.
Speaking of winners, those who dive deep into golf and its stats will discover that even the favorites struggle. Many of them can have many problems, so betting on someone to win is not always the right move.
Some sports bettors with more experience prefer using the popular Each Way betting markets, Matchup bet on the top 10/20 options rather than chasing outright winners. Yes, the odds won’t be that high, but the risk is also slightly lower. One of the myths about gambling is that you should only pick markets with high odds but this is definitely not the case when it comes to golf and other sports.
Psychological and External Factors
The last important point we wish to address in terms of betting on golf is related to confidence, motivation ,and pressure. These three aspects are essential in golf, even more than different stats.
Some players may be extra motivated by something like returning from an injury, qualifying for the Ryder Cup, or something else. Regarding external factors, we have to consider travel fatigue, jet lag, or different life events, including controversies. These things are easy to overlook but can impact performance.