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?
