The Masters
Golf betting in Canada
How does betting on golf work?
Betting on golf is a lot different than wagering on the likes of the NFL, NBA, NHL, or MLB. It is primarily comprised of futures betting, as you’re usually either picking one golfer to win a tournament at high-value odds, or spreading your wagers across the field.
You can also make match bets, where you wager on a player in a head-to-head matchup. For example, you can bet on Phil Mickelson to finish higher than Dustin Johnson in a given tournament, or who you think will be the first-round leader following the first day.
On the PGA TOUR, betting is available for all tournaments throughout the season. However, the highest volume of bets usually come in ahead of the four major tournaments: The Masters, PGA Championship, US Open, and British Open.
Normally, the favourite for a golf tournament is priced in around +500 and +1300, and there is always value to be found in a large field. If you think a long shot plays a course generally well and has a chance at taking the tournament, these players sometime come in as long as +5000, meaning the potential payout can be immense.
This all shows that it pays to be patient. Golf bettors have to shop multiple lines across sportsbooks to get the highest value, as well as find a golfer believed to match up well against the rest of the field and the course itself. Golf can be a complex sport to bet on, but BET.CA can help get you in the right spot to make the most informed choice.
The best golf sportsbooks
What are the top golf events to bet on?
There are many golf tournaments and events that are popular to bet on. The PGA Tour is by far the most popular in North America, and bettors in Canada focus on its major tournaments.
The Masters, which traditionally takes place in April as the earliest of the four majors every year, is always held at Augusta National. It is one of the most popular events in the PGA, and arguably the most iconic golf tournament of all-time. It draws millions of bettors to the tournament as players vie for the green jacket, and the prize purse was bumped up to $15 million in 2022.
The PGA Championship (normally held in May) comes right after, and sees a ton of action. It is played at various courses around the US and also recently had its purse increased to $15 million. The US Open (June) takes place close to Father’s Day, with the course changing every year and a $17.5 million purse.
The British Open (or Open Championship), normally takes place in July and is the only major held outside the US and is the oldest tournament in professional golf. The total purse was set at $14 million in 2022, a 22% increase from 2021.
Golf betting tips
Compare the odds
In order to give yourself a slight edge, compare the odds from each sportsbook after you’ve found a golfer you want to wager on and try and find the best possible value you can get.
Study the course
Which courses out there cater to the golfer you want to wager on? Is it a lengthy course and you want to back someone who is long off the tee? Are the greens in solid shape with easy pin placement and your golfer has a tremendous short game? These are all things to look out for.
Study the weather
More than most other sports, weather is integral to the game of golf.
Check on the wind and rain conditions before diving into a wager, as that can make the day and the course unpredictable.
Find a niche
Are you good at predicting the winner of a tournament? The winner of the day? Who will simply make the cut? Predicting head-to-head matchups? Find out what strategy works for you and stick with it the best you can.
Hot streaks
Has a player made the cut in his last four tournaments? Does he have a ton of top 10 finishes? How is he ranking in the Official World Golf Rankings? It might be a smart idea to run with his hot streak and back him.
Check the props
You can gamble on anything and everything on the PGA. Will the winner of the tournament cry after he receives his award? Who will he hug first? Analyze the props for further opportunities to find value.
Betting on golf in Canada
Although it isn’t a golf major, the RBC Canadian Open plays home to some of the best talent on the PGA Tour. The tournament is played at various courses, but the 2023 edition will be played at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ontario. Irishman Rory McIlroy finished first in 2022 at St. George’s Golf Club in Toronto, Ontario, shooting -19 over the course of the tournament. He narrowly edged out American Tony Finau, who shot -17.
The biggest Canadian names in golf include Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Adam Hadwin, and Graham DaLaet. Turning back the clock, Mike Weir is the only Canadian to win a major, as he memorably won the 2003 Masters and spent over 110 weeks in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Rankings between 2001 and 2005.
Golf betting FAQs
How long do golf tournaments typically last?
Who has won the most golf majors?
Where can I find the latest FedEx Cup standings?
Our golf guides are written by BET.CA's in-house team, who are passionate fans of the majors, LIV Golf Series, and the Ryder Cup. We can help you out with how to bet on all the action that unfolds on the course.