Golf Betting: How To Bet, Top Sportsbooks, Latest News, Upcoming Events
Golf betting is a popular attraction at legal online sportsbooks. Wagering is available for the PGA Tour and other events throughout the year. Interest tends to be the highest for the golf majors: the Masters, PGA Championship, US Open, and British Open.
Sportsbooks offer a range of golf odds, including tournament winners, finishing positions, matchups, and props. Here’s a look at how to bet on golf and the best golf betting sites for legally and safely wagering on every tournament.
Top 10 best golf betting sites — September 2023
We consider a number of factors when grading the best golf betting sites. This includes available betting options, the competitiveness of odds and lines, speed of payouts and withdrawals, overall user experience, and welcome bonuses.
| Sportsbook | LSR’s app rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Caesars Sportsbook | 4.8/5 | Competitive prop odds |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | 4.7/5 | Live-streaming events |
| BetRivers Sportsbook | 4.6/5 | Parlay profit boosts |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | 4.5/5 | DFS combination |
| Bet365 Sportsbook | 4.5/5 | Betting variety |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | 4.4/5 | Retention promotions |
| PointsBet Sportsbook | 4.3/5 | App speed |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | 4.3/5 | User experience |
| Hard Rock Sportsbook | 4.1/5 | Live betting |
| Betway Sportsbook | 4.0/5 | Cash-outs |
Best golf betting sites
1. Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars has established itself as a go-to spot for golf bettors. Its strong points include a range of wagers for each event, betting specials for select tournaments, and a rewards program that allows bettors to earn points based on their play.
The odds and lines are typically competitive with other books. On the technical side, the platform has consistently improved since its initial launch.
| Welcome bonus | $1,000 with Caesars promo code LSR1000 |
| Best for | Competitive prop odds |
| Available states | AZ, CO, IN, IA, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA & WV |
| Golf betting options | Golf majors, all PGA Tour events, props, futures, betting specials |
| Our score | 4.8/5 |
2. BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM is an official marketing partner of the PGA Tour, and golf is one of the sportsbook’s featured offerings as a result. In addition to the solid welcome bonus, bettors will find a range of ongoing and golf-specific promos.
On the odds and performance front, BetMGM gets solid marks in both cases. The lines are fair and competitive, while the platform has several slick features. When a tournament is underway, you can access a hole-by-hole update for the groups on the course.
| Welcome bonus | Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses with BetMGM bonus code PLAYLSR |
| Best for | Live stream events |
| Available states | AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NJ, OH, NV, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV & WY – Note: Offer not available in DC, MS, NV or NY |
| Golf betting options | PGA Tour stops, golf majors, futures, props, parlay cards |
| Our score | 4.7/5 |
3. BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers has been steadily expanding to new markets and continues to gain traction as an option for betting on golf and other sports. The book also offers a loyalty program — iRush Rewards — that provides points for wagers.
The welcome bonus is simple and straightforward, and there’s a steady stream of regular promotions for golf. BetRivers initially had state-specific versions of its app, but since it switched to a universal option, the performance has been steadily improving.
| Welcome bonus | Up to a $500 second-chance bet with BetRivers bonus code LSRRIV |
| Best for | Parlay profit boosts |
| Available states | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, OH, NJ, NY, PA, VA & WV |
| Golf betting options | Golf majors, PGA tournaments, futures, props, hole matchups |
| Our score | 4.6/5 |
4. FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel is also a marketing partner of the PGA Tour. The industry giant is among the market leaders in all of the states where it is available. The user-friendly platform is a big reason for that, as is the range of bets and regularly competitive lines.
For golf tournaments, bettors can easily switch between available wagers and quickly build parlays. The odds are generally on point, and there are often special promos for golf majors and other big events.
| Welcome bonus | $200 (no promo code necessary) |
| Best for | DFS combination |
| Available states | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV & WY |
| Golf betting options | PGA Tour, golf majors, props, futures, golfer parlays |
| Our score | 4.5/5 |
5. Bet365 Sportsbook
Bet365 is one of the leading sportsbooks on an international scale. The company continues to build its presence in the US, with additional states likely on the way. Although it has a reputation as a place for seasoned bettors, it offers plenty to like for all experience levels.
Beyond a welcome bonus for new customers, there’s a regular array of promos and boosts for existing ones. The simple app is easy to navigate, while the golf betting odds are regularly among the most competitive that you’ll find.
| Welcome bonus | Bet $1, get $200 in bonuses (no promo code necessary) |
| Best for | Variety of sports on which to bet |
| Available states | CO, IA, KY, NJ, OH & VA |
| Golf betting options | Golf majors, PGA events, futures, props, live betting |
| Our score | 4.5/5 |
6. DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings is another marketing partner of the PGA Tour that has established a strong foothold in all of the states where it is available. The highly regarded app makes it easy to find what you’re looking for, while the odds are regularly in line with the market.
Among the features that help set it apart, DraftKings offers betting pools in which you can compete against other users for prizes. When tournaments are underway, the “live event center” helps you stay on top of the action while offering real-time wagers.
| Welcome bonus | Up to $1,400 in bonuses (no promo code necessary) |
| Best for | Retention promotions |
| Available states | AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, OH, PA, VA, WV & WY |
| Golf betting options | PGA tournaments, golf majors, props, futures, betting pools |
| Our score | 4.4/5 |
Ready to Bet on Golf?
Legal Sports Report has links to the best golf odds for upcoming tournaments.
Upcoming golf events
Here’s the schedule of upcoming golf competitions that will be available for betting at legal online sportsbooks.
| Date | Event | Location | Previous Winner |
| Sept. 14-17 | Fortinet Championship | Silverado Resort & Spa in Napa, California | Max Homa |
| Sept. 29-Oct. 1 | Ryder Cup | Marco Simone GC in Rome | Team USA |
| Oct. 5-8 | Sanderson Farms Championship | Country Club of Jackson in Jackson, Mississippi | Mackenzie Hughes |
| Oct. 12-15 | Shriners Children’s Open | TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas | Tom Kim |
| Oct. 19-22 | Zozo Championship | Accordia Golf Narashino CC in Shiba, Japan | Keegan Bradley |
How to choose the best PGA betting sites
Welcome bonuses
Welcome bonuses are commonly available to new customers at many of the top betting sites. You can see current offerings at the top of this page. Common welcome bonus examples include deposit matches and bet credits. Before accepting or claiming any sportsbook promotions, take the time to review and understand the terms and conditions.
Live betting tools
Many sportsbooks feature live betting on golf. Once a tournament begins, you’ll find updated odds and wagers based on what’s happening on the course. Some books will even provide a detailed up-to-the-minute look at what’s happening, including scoring and the status of specific golfers.
Odds shopping
Before you bet, it’s good practice to compare the odds at multiple sportsbooks. While line shopping, check out the odds on tournament winners, matchups, props or any other wagers you want to place. Many bettors base their wagers on which books have the best odds on the bets that they’re interested in.
Payout speeds
Also make sure that the banking options that you prefer are readily available. Top sportsbooks generally provide a range of options, including credit and debit cards, PayPal and Venmo. Deposits will go through instantly, while withdrawal processing times can vary from a few hours up to a day or more.
Customer service
All of the top legal betting sites have customer support to provide assistance to bettors as needed. For example, you may need help with a technical glitch, account issue or promotional credit. Customer service options may vary by book, but many offer live chat and messaging through the website or app.
How to bet on golf online
Betting on golf online is convenient if you live in one of the states where it’s legal to do so. Many such states will have multiple options available, including, for instance, Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM Sportsbook. The registration process is typically similar and should take just a few minutes to complete. To sign up, you’ll have to enter some basic information:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Phone number
- Social Security number
Eligibility requirements may vary slightly depending on the state. For instance, you must be at least the minimum legal age in the state where you’re betting. While most states require bettors to be 21 or older, some only require a minimum age of 18.
Another requirement is that you have to be in the state where it’s legal to place sports bets. Online sportsbooks will use geolocation technology to determine where you are at the time of betting. After signing up, you’ll be able to wager on golf from your computer or device.
Types of golf bets
The majority of legal online sportsbooks offer a wide selection of wagers, but the exact options may vary by book. Let’s take a look at the basic types of golf bets:
- To win: The most common way to bet on a golf tournament is to choose who you think will win the event.
- Versus the field: Wager on a specific golfer, typically a tournament favorite — specifically how that golfer will fare against another group of players.
- Head-to-head: A moneyline bet on who will shoot a lower score between two golfers.
- Finishing positions: Bet on golfers to finish in the top five, 10, 20, etc.
- First-round leader: Bet on which golfer will have the lead after the first 18 holes.
- Group matchups: Choose the best-scoring golfer from a group of three or four.
Golf futures
Golf futures are common and should be available at every regulated sportsbook in the US. As with futures wagers in other sports, you place a bet on a certain golfer to win an event before that event begins. Futures are generally available for major tournaments, such as the Masters, PGA Championship, US Open, and British Open. Some sportsbooks also offer FedEx Cup odds all season long on who will win the trophy.
Live golf betting
Live betting is one of the most popular ways to wager on all sports, including golf. You can bet on the action as the tournament is taking place. Sportsbooks will allow you to bet on who will win the tournament at almost any time. They will continue to update their pre-round odds to reflect the play and scores already on the leaderboard. Some books may offer other live odds for head-to-head player matchups and props like how a golfer will finish the next hole.
Golf prop betting
Besides the standard wagers, sportsbooks may also offer a variety of prop bets on various smaller aspects within a golf tournament. Here are some of the most common golf props:
- Nationality of winning golfer
- Will there be a hole-in-one?
- Will a playoff be necessary to decide the winner?
- Range of scoring for a specific golfer
- Stroke lead for the tournament winner
- Best scoring golfer in a given round
- Golfer to make or miss the cut
Golf betting FAQs
What is the best golf betting site?
No sportsbook will always have the best odds on golf or an individual event or type of bet at all times. Take the time to shop around and compare the odds at multiple sportsbooks before placing your bets.
Is it legal to bet on golf online?
Yes, it’s legal to bet on golf online, provided that you are located in a state that has legalized online sports betting. Please note that age and eligibility requirements apply for each individual state in which legal golf betting is available.
Am I able to bet on golf live?
Many legal online sportsbooks offer live betting on golf tournaments after the event is underway. The exact wagering options may vary, but you can expect to see updated odds and lines on a variety of bets where live golf betting is available.
Can I watch live streams of golf at sports betting sites?
Sportsbooks that offer live betting will provide real-time updates of what’s happening at the event, including hole-by-hole coverage for specific golfers and more. However, the streaming of an entire event from start to finish is not available at any legal sports betting sites at the moment.
Can I bet on the PGA Tour?
The PGA Tour is available for betting at all legal online sportsbooks. Many sportsbooks offer wagering on other tours and events, as well, but the PGA Tour is the star attraction when it comes to golf betting.
Can I bet on the LIV Tour?
LIV Tour betting has been available in select markets for specific events. Betting on the tour is subject to approval by individual states prior to it becoming available for wagering in those states. The LIV Tour has not received approval in all states at this time.