The Top Golf Betting Sites in the UK

Golf is a hugely popular sport and the four majors are watched by millions of sports fans around the world. It is also a hugely betting event and with tournaments taking place all-year round and several events being hosted simultaneously, there are always plenty of betting opportunities. The sport has produced a number of notable characters over the years and with hundreds of players all vying to reach the top, there are always plenty of talking points and drama.

In its very simplest form, golf betting requires punters to pick the winner of a tournament, however, there are several pre-tournament betting markets available and many more tend to be added once the events gets underway. Our comprehensive golf betting guide will not only highlight the best golf betting markets, but it will also point you in the right direction of the top golf betting sites in the UK.

We have put together a list of the top golf betting sites in the UK, however, it wasn’t entirely straightforward to construct. There are copious number of UK bookmakers who offer betting on all major events, so we had to analyse a number of important factors and use a strict scoring system to accurately rank each of these operators.

• Golf Coverage – First and foremost, we were looking for betting sites which offer far more than standard golf betting markets. We tended to look favourably on those sites who offer alternative markets such as First Round Leader and 3-Balls. Although the PGA Tour and the European Tour tend to dominate the golf betting landscape, we also promoted those sites who offered odds on the Ladies European Tour and various events involving legends and veterans.
• Promotions and Bonuses – Despite the majority of online betting sites in the UK offering a welcome bonus, our eyes were drawn to those bookmakers who showcased golf-specific promotions such as extra places and money back if a player doesn’t make the cut. We also preferred to see these offers relating to weekly tournaments as opposed to only becoming available ahead of one of the four majors.
• In-Play / Live Betting – Golf fans are a dedicated bunch and even when a tournament is taking place in a completely different time zone, they tend to stay up to catch the conclusion. As a result, live betting on golf tournaments is hugely popular and with a continuously fluctuating scoreboard, this sport can produce some hugely exciting finales. We’re looking for bookmakers who offer numerous in-play betting opportunities across the course of the weekend.
• App / Mobile Accessibility – As detailed above, golf punters enjoy frequenting the live betting markets, however, it isn’t always possible to access a live desktop site. As a result, we preferred to focus on sites which offer a reliable mobile app as well as updated stats and leaderboard which can be accessed using a handheld device. 

How do we check

Compiling the best UK golf betting sites can be a time-consuming exercise and we have a team of dedicated and experienced writers who help us to meticulously rank each of these operators.

Our research involves signing up for an account, making a deposit and taking advantage of the welcome bonus. We also place several bets across various golf betting markets, access the live odds and speak to customer support. This tends to give us an accurate overview of how each of these sites operates.

We aren’t paid by any of the bookmakers that we review, so we are always open and honest when it comes to ranking these golf betting sites. If we come across a disappointing or underwhelming bookmaker, we will let you know!

With dozens of new betting sites sitting alongside more experienced operators, there is always plenty of choice when it comes to choosing which golf betting site to sign up for. Luckily, here at MansionBet UK we’ve managed to narrow down the field and have compiled a list of the best UK betting sites for betting on The Masters and the UKPGA:

If you’re thinking of placing a bet on an upcoming golf tournament then you’ll want to make sure that you’ve followed each of these simple steps to ensure that your wager is placed correctly:

• Sign up for one of our recommended golf betting sites
• Submit your details and await a confirmation email
• Claim the welcome bonus by making a deposit of at least £5/£10.
• Locate the golf odd by using the A-Z of sport or the search bar.
• Browse the upcoming tournaments and add your chosen player to your betting slip
• Add a stake
• If you’re happy to proceed, click ‘place bet’ or ‘confirm bet’.

Is it legal to bet on golf?

Yes, it is perfectly legal to bet on golf with any UK bookmaker from our list of top betting sites. As long as your chosen operator is fully licensed, you’ll be able to place a bet, safe in the knowledge that you will be treated fairly and will be paid out if you manage to find a winner.

Contacting customer support

When it comes to choosing which betting site to sign up for, it’s important to consider their level of customer support. Although you’ll hopefully never need them, it’s always good to know that you can contact an operative within minutes, if required. Here at MansionBet UK, we look favourably on any bookmaker who can offer a dedicated level of customer support and is available to 24/7 to provide assistance and reassurance.

Although there is plenty of unique terminology within the sport, betting on golf is fundamentally simple. At its most basic, punters are required to pick out a player who completed the course by taking the fewest shots. However, this is a simple, abridged version of a top level sport and there are loads of different betting markets to choose from on a weekly basis:

• Tournament Winner – As we’ve already mentioned, this is the simplest way of betting on a golf tournament. You must choose the winning player of your chosen event. Occasionally a play-off will take place in the rare event of a tie at the top of the leaderboard.
• To Finish in the Top 5/10/20 – If you’re feeling confident that your chosen player will produce a decent display, but you aren’t sure that they have what it takes to finish top of the leaderboard, then this market is the ideal way of getting involved. Once the tournament has concluded, if your chosen player has made it into the top 5/10/20, then you will be paid out.
• Not to Make the Cut – When a tournament gets underway on a Thursday, there may be up to 150 players teeing off. However, by the weekend, this number will be halved. Any player who manages to make it through to the weekend is described as ‘making the cut’ and this market allows punters to bet on players NOT to progress. As a result, it’s always best to search for high-profile players who are struggling for form as they tend to offer the best value in this market.
• First Round Leader – Waiting four days to see if you’ve managed to pick a winner can be frustrating, however, the first round leader market is a great way of ensuring that you will know the outcome of your wager by the end of day 1. Here, you simply have to select the player that you think will finish top of the leaderboard following the completion of the first 72 holes. 

Betting Types

• In-Play – Although golf is often considered to be a little slow by some, the final couple of rounds can throw up a huge amount of excitement. Across the course of the weekend, the leaderboard is constantly changing and this enables punters to place in-play bets and enjoy the additional markets which are offered by the majority of bookmakers. You can bet live in-play at any point once a tournament has got underway.

 When it comes to betting on golf, punters always want to ensure that they are able to get the best possible odds. With many tournaments featuring 100+ players, generous odds are pretty much guaranteed and although you may have to wait four days to find out if you have a winning bet, the generous odds often make it worth the wait. 

Golf betting odds can fluctuate significantly so it’s always best to shop around to ensure that you don’t miss out on the value. Although we don’t provide odds on these events, we have ensured that each of top ranked golf betting sites off competitive odds on all major tournament and we’ve chosen bookmakers who are rarely beaten on price when it comes to betting on the tournament winner market.

When it comes to ranking our best golf betting sites, we’ve factored in a number of different aspects including features. These can vary between bookmakers, however, it’s vitally important that each of our chosen operators offers a number of features to improve the overall betting experience for UK punters. We’ve highlighted some of the standout features regularly offer by UK betting sites: 

• Cash Out – It’s always handy to be able to capitalise on being in a winning position, and cash out allows UK punters to take a portion/all of their winnings whenever things are heading in the right direction. The leaderboard is constantly changing so it’s always best to strike whilst the iron is hot!
• Live Betting / In-Play Betting – Golf is one of a number of sports which lends itself to in-play betting. It is tailor-made for in-play betting due to the constant changes and frequent fascinating finales. As a result, the odds can change quickly and savvy in-play punters are particularly adept at spotting discrepancies in the in-play prices.
• Live Streaming – If you are planning on placing an in-play bet, then having the ability to follow the progress of your chosen player. Many online bookmakers and new betting sites now allow players to watch the action unfold via their live streaming service.

Safe and security

 When it comes to signing up to an online golf betting site and placing your first bet, it’s always to ensure that your chosen operator has the latest safety protocols in place to ensure that your information cannot be accessed by third parties.

Here at MansionBet UK, we take security extremely seriously and we only feature betting sites which are fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission AND use the latest encryption technology to protect player details.

 Whether you’ve just signed up for an account or you’re a regular bettor, it’s always to be rewarded for your loyalty. Many UK bookmakers offer welcome bonuses to new players and there are also many betting sites who also have multiple ongoing promotions for existing players. We’ve outlined some of the key promotions and bonuses to look out for:

• Deposit Bonus – Upon signing up for an online bookmaker in the UK, you’ll be eligible to claim their welcome bonus. Each operator will have a slightly different variation on this promotion, however, generally speaking, If you sign up and deposit at least £10, you’ll receive a 50%/100%/200% bonus on this amount. Most bookmakers will cap this amount at either £50 or £100.
• Bet and Get – This is a promotion which may be aimed towards both new and experienced bettors. If you meet the qualifying criteria by betting the stated amount (often £5 or £10), then you’ll receive a free bet which can be used on any sports market.
• Backup Bet – Some online bookmakers will offer a backup bet, which requires punters to opt-in and place a qualifying bet. If this wager doesn’t win, then you’ll receive a back-up which can be used on any sports market. This is a good way of assuaging the disappointing of backing a loser, however, it does not reward those punters who are lucky enough to have backed a winner.
• Enhanced Odds / Boosted Odds – As we explained in the odds section, punters often want a decent run for their money, but they also want to ensure that they have taken the best possible odds. Luckily, many UK bookmakers offer enhanced odds and bet boosts on popular markets and this helps to ensure that any potential returns will be increased.
• Extra Places – Although they tend to be associated with horse racing, golf bettors can also take advantage of extra places. Some bookmakers will routinely pay out on additional places when you wager each-way on the tournament winner market. This is particularly handy in competitive events and it’s often worth taking a chance on one or two bigger prices when extra places are available.

 The majority of punters in the UK now own a smartphone device and therefore it’s vitally important that all bookmakers offer a functional betting app. Although it is possible to bet using a mobile browser, it is far easier to find betting markets and odds using a dedicated app.

Apps can be easily downloaded from a variety of places, including the App Store and using the QR code from the bookmaker’s website. Once downloaded, it takes a matter of minutes to sign up for an account and make an initial deposit.

When ranking the best golf betting sites, we have favoured those bookmaker who offer a slick and reliable betting app as this is vitally important for punters who wish to follow the progress of their golf bets across the course of a weekend.

Very few UK punters can set aside an entire weekend to watch a tournament, therefore the ability to live stream pictures or simply follow the progress of your player via the in-play section is extremely helpful.

Although many punters still use the traditional desktop site, mobile betting has become increasingly popular and betting sites must ensure that their technology is up to date and they possess an app which keeps bettors returning time and time again.

 When we are compiling our list of the best golf betting sites, we always tends to favour those bookmakers who offer a wide range of payment methods.

• Debit Cards (Visa/Mastercard) – This is one of the easiest and straightforward methods of payment. It is exactly the same as paying for any other online goods or services. Simply submit your card details and your account will be debited. It is the most popular way to fund a betting account, although some UK punters may still be a little wary about allowing new betting sites to store their card details.
• E-Wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller) – There are a number of companies who offer e-wallets and these are a terrific way to pay for online products. They offer a level of anonymity and it’s an extremely straightforward way of funding your betting account. If you make withdrawals using this method, you’re more likely to receive a speedy payout.
• Apple Pay / Google Pay – This fast-growing payment method is the choice of many younger punters and it enables players to fund their account using their smartphone. This smart payment system is extremely speedy and is now accepted by many major bookmakers including Bet365. With a two-factor authentication system and touch ID, it’s an extremely safe and easy way to pay. 

Payouts

If you’re lucky enough to pick a few winning golf bets, then you’ll probably want to make a withdrawal. Collecting your money is a fairly straightforward process with most bookmakers completing the process within five working days. If you opt to use an e-wallet such as PayPal, it can often be much quicker. VISA have also added a Fast Funds function which allows punters to receive their money within a matter of hours.

Successful golf betting is far from straightforward and the best golf pundits and tipsters have spent decades honing their craft and meticulously following every single tournament. In order to make a profit on this sport, you don’t have to dedicate your life to following golf, however, there are a number of things that you can do to improve your chances of picking a few winners. 

Betting tips

• Understand/Study the Courses – Every single course on both the European and PGA Tour is completely unique and everything from the configuration through to the length of grass can affect a player’s ability to perform. Take note of the idiosyncrasies of each course and focus on the type of player who tend to excel at each of these venues. Don’t assume that a player who performed admirably last weekend will necessarily adapt and acclimatise to a completely different set-up seven days later. You can compare player form at courses who share the same designer, the same level of difficulty or have a similar par.
• Study Patterns in Player Form – Similar to all individual sports, it’s important to try and gauge a player’s level of motivation. Although social media is a good way of checking on their current mindset, it’s far more effective to study previous form and focus on players who drift in and out of form, players who tend to maintain form for several weeks and those who only tend to thrive at certain times of the year.
• Pay Attention to the Weather Conditions – With each course playing differently, the climate and weather conditions can have a significant impact on the outcome of an event. Some players tend to struggle in wet conditions whereas others prefer to perform when there is a light breeze. All of these must be factored into your bets.
• Don’t be Afraid to Use Statistics – Statistics are widely available and it would be foolish to ignore them. Although not every statistic will have a bearing on the potential outcome, the more data that you can absorb, the better judgement that you are likely to make.

What to avoid

To keep it simple, avoid betting on impulse. Golf is a statistical sport and it’s important to study as much as you can before placing a bet. Don’t exclusively wager on the well-known names or the players that you are familiar with.

It’s also important to not get carried away by players who make a fast start. With four days of action, stamina is required and those who make a strong start are not always able to carry it through. 

Golf fanatics are likely to follow the action throughout the year and watch every single tournament, however, there are a number of unmissable events to add to your calendar.

⤿ The Masters

The Masters is one of four golf majors on the calendar and it is played in Augusta at the same course each year. It is a unique course which tends to benefit experienced players who are familiar with its quirky layout. It is the first major of the season.

⤿ PGA Championship

The PGA used to be the last of the four majors, however, it has moved position in the calendar and now takes place in May. This tournament tends to benefit American players and it is one of the most prestigious and lucrative tournaments of the season.

⤿ US Open

The US Open is staged in June at various courses and has the largest purse of any of the four majors. It is another tournament which tends to favour American players and the top 10 finishers will gain automatic entry to next year’s tournament.

⤿ The Open Championship

The Open Championship is the only major to be held in Europe and it is competed in July at a variety of venues across the UK. It is the oldest golf tournament in the world and remains one of the most popular.

Betting on all four of the major tends to be available all-year round with the majority of online bookmakers.

Golf is a hugely popular sport and it’s easy to see why it is also appealing to UK punters. It is also the perfect sport for in-play betting with the constantly changing leaderboard producing plenty of twists and turns along the away.

Our list of top golf betting sites will hopefully make it far easier to pick out the best bookmakers for wagering on both the PGA and European Tour action.