With a PGA tournament happening nearly every weekend of the year, there are thousands of ways to bet on every swing, hole, or errant drive.
“Live” or “in-game” golf betting provides real-time odds you can bet on as the action happens on the course. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re live betting on golf.
How live golf betting works
As tee shots go off for the first group on the course, the betting action transitions from standard pre-tournament wagers to live golf bets. Sportsbooks post updated odds and lines throughout each day of the tournament.
Things tend to move quickly, so using a golf betting app on your phone or tablet allows you to place bets from anywhere, provided you’re in a state where sportsbook apps are legal. As you watch and enjoy the tournament — sometimes via a live stream on the sportsbook app itself — you can follow all the key stats and discover new live bets to place on virtually every swing of the club.
Live golf betting options
As a golf tournament progresses, you can wager on new odds for many of the same markets that were available before the tournament started, including:
- Outright winner and finishing position bets
- Group matchups and head-to-heads
- Round leader predictions
The odds at live golf betting sites update continuously based on what’s happening in real time. For instance, if a favorite has a rough start, their odds will rise. Meanwhile, underdogs who are performing well might see their odds drop quickly.
In-play golf betting also allows for highly specific wagers, such as:
- Betting per hole
- Best score on Hole 7 within the playing group.
- Betting for a range of holes
- Best score for Holes 4-6.
- Score per hole
- A specific golfer to score birdie or better on Hole 11 — yes/no?
- Scoring achievements
- Any golfer to eagle Hole 14 — yes/no?
Because this is live sports betting, the exact markets and odds will shift constantly. But you’ll generally find a solid number of options at top online sportsbooks.
5 top tips for betting on live golf
To get started, having a reliable sportsbook app is key. You’ll be able to access live markets, compare odds, and place bets in real time, no matter where you are (as long as it’s in a legal betting state).
You’ll also be able to track the tournament and bet accordingly. Here are five key tips to enhance your live golf betting strategy:
1. Know the Schedule and Plan Your Time
Golf tournaments follow a schedule barring weather delays. To release accurate odds for the Farmers Insurance Open, for example, sportsbooks rely on pre-set tee times. Track when the golfers you’re interested in are playing and plan your live betting sessions accordingly. If you’re limited to betting during certain hours, review who’s on the course then and what markets may be available.
2. Scout the Weather and Course Layout
Weather conditions can dramatically affect a round, especially wind, which alters shot trajectory. Check the forecast frequently to anticipate trouble spots or scoring opportunities. Also, evaluate the course layout. Some stretches play easier or harder depending on conditions, so look for potential scoring runs or pitfalls that align with your betting angles.
3. Understand What You’re Looking For
Before placing any bets, decide what types of live golf betting markets interest you most. Do you prefer hole-by-hole props? Are you targeting comeback candidates before sportsbooks adjust? By narrowing your focus, you’ll be quicker and more confident when the right in-play opportunity appears.
4. Watch for Momentum Swings
While research helps form expectations, golf is unpredictable. Momentum swings — both good and bad — can change a player’s trajectory instantly. Let’s say Scottie Scheffler starts slowly at the Genesis Invitational. Odds on him to win or finish top five might shift dramatically within one round. If you’re watching closely, you can take advantage of those real-time market movements.
5. Set a Strict Budget
Live betting on golf can be exciting, but it’s also fast-paced and reactive. To avoid chasing losses or making impulse bets, establish a betting budget in advance and stick to it. This will help you stay focused and avoid the common pitfall of placing random bets with little edge.
A big part of the appeal of in-play golf betting is flexibility. You can place bets while the action unfolds. But don’t wing it! Use these strategies to build your own live betting game plan and make more informed wagers.
Is live golf betting worth it?
There’s plenty to love about live betting on golf, but it’s not for everyone. If you enjoy quick outcomes and betting as the action unfolds, it might be a great fit. If you prefer deep analysis and time to think, then live betting might be better suited for specific scenarios rather than full-round play.
One major benefit of live betting is its use as a hedge. If your pre-tournament picks aren’t performing, you can shift to betting on players who are surging. Alternatively, if your original bets are looking strong, you might double down and increase potential returns. Above all, stick to your budget be responsible whenever betting on sports.
Whether you’re using live betting to supplement your strategy or simply want to enhance your viewing experience, it can be a fun, dynamic part of golf betting when approached with the right mindset. Give live golf betting a try, but be sure to use these recommendations when you do.