Betting on golf can be as thrilling as playing it. You get endless possibilities thanks to the mix of prop bets in golf, head-to-head duels (like Rory McIlroy against Tiger Woods, etc.) and outright markets. However, the foundation of a positive golf betting experience lies in the correct choice of the sportsbook. Since the vast majority of the latest golf betting sites have pretty similar offers, we need to clarify the main perks of the leading platforms.
Frank Clark
Fact Checked by
Danny Willett
Golf Betting in the UK - January 2026
Golf betting is nothing like popular sports betting. A golf competition stretches across days and features a huge field of participants. It is also shaped by unpredictable factors, making it rather hard to make accurate picks and predictions. Explore the best online sportsbooks, choose one and sign up to grab your welcome bonus and bet with boosted odds!
Top Golf Betting Sites: Why You Should Pick Them
Paddy Power
This is a famous Irish online bookmaker established back in 1988. It’s a unique blend of innovation and heritage, packed with a comprehensive coverage of the golf betting world. Its website has an extensive golf market offering, from traditional bets to niche ones. In particular, you can bet on tournament winners, Top 5/10/20 finishes, shots at making or placing the cut. Among special markets available, bettors are offered the best Englishman, Big Guns vs. the Field, etc.
The sportsbook also supports live in-play betting and features like round scores, whether a hole-in-one will occur or not, overnight leaders, etc. As an engaging alternative to standard leaderboard markets, Paddy Power offers two-ball or three-ball head-to-head golf matchups.
BetFred
Another giant among golf betting sites is BetFred. Emerging in the sports betting industry in 1967, BetFred has grown into one of the most recognisable bookies from what was a single shop. It boasts a comprehensive selection of golf markets, covering each-way finishes, outright winner, top 5/10/20 placements, first-round leader, make-the-cut nationality-based bets, hole-in-one, and two-ball/three-ball matchups.
Also, BetFred stands out for its lucrative each-way bets on golf, offering bettors 8+ finishing places at 1.5 odds for DP World Tour and PGA events. Newcomers, signing up particularly for betting on the golf event they’re interested in, are offered sign-up bonuses. However, while BetFred’s odds are pretty competitive for mainstream events, in smaller or niche markets, they lag behind other bookmakers.
Coral
Another veteran in the golf betting business is Coral, established by Joe Coral back in 1926. The bookmaker features all essentials every golf bettor can expect, including outright winners, specials, spread betting, matchups, in-play options, etc.
Perhaps the most standout feature of the brand is its Odds Boosters. In particular, it features boosted odds on creative markets such as first-round three-ball results. The sportsbook has a welcome bonus for its newly registered golf enthusiasts, with £5 to £20 free bets.
Bet365
Bet365 has an exceptional golf betting range, involving top finishes, outright winner, first round leader, winning margins, match-ups, nationality bets, hole-in-one, and others. The sportsbook provides its users with the best-in-class each-way flexibility. In particular, by choosing Bet365 for online golf betting, you get such options as five places at 1.25 odds (may even be extended up to 12 places) using the Each Way Extra feature. The latter enables a user to tailor their bet by adding up or removing the payout places within the scope of the risk and reward adjustment strategy.
At Bet365, too, golf fans have golf-specific promotions at their disposal. Among the major offers is “bet £10 and receive £30 in free bets.” You can also make use of a bet boost on specific markets.
Ladbrokes
At Ladbrokes, punters from the UK and other countries have a wide variety of golf markets to bet on, starting from tournament winners and ending with creative seasonal specials (over/under on major wins). Other popular betting options involve matchups, top finishes, etc. The brightest perk of the bookie is its elaborate coverage of special markets, each-way terms, and full-field PGA Tour betting events (normally paying up to 10 places at 1.2 odds).
The platform also features a top-notch quality mobile app and mobile-responsive website. Both platforms ensure great usability and performance with all your bets synced across online and in-store channels.
BoyleSports
BoyleSports yields to giants of the market in sheer volume, yet its golf betting offerings are robust. Particularly, the supported markets include head-to-head matchups, golf handicaps, outrights, etc. The bookie offers tailored each-way terms through its brand “pick your place” feature. The latter implies choosing as many as up to 10 places at ⅕ odds. The sportsbook also runs “Happy Hour” promotion during the week on big events with boosted each-way terms.
Nevertheless, as compared to other giants of the market, BoyleSports has a rather modest welcome bonus. Instead, it shines for its excellent round-the-clock customer support, the bet builder, and timely cashouts.
QuinnBet
If you are searching for a reliable platform for betting on golf, you’re welcome to QuinnBet. The latter stands out for its respectable pre-match odds on golf (the average comes out at 92.55%). The bookie has prepared a noteworthy promo feature for its golf enthusiasts – the “Golf 2nd and 3rd Offer.” Within its scope, by placing a qualifying bet on the outright winner and having the pick finishing the second or third, a bettor gets refunded with a free bet of around £10. This offer is available only once per player.
QuinnBet features a clean and well-designed platform on both desktop and mobile. The latter mirrors the brand’s web functionality. The payment methods are identical across all platforms and ensure speedy and secure money transfers with no fees applied.
William Hill
William Hill is a pretty popular online sportsbook with a comprehensive golf betting market. It covers the everyday PGA Tour, LIV Golf, Ryder Cup, and DP World Tour events, to the four majors of the sports disciplines. All basic markets like outright winners, winning margins, first-round leaders, hole-in-one, etc., are covered.
Furthermore, the #YourOdds unique feature enables bettors to request personalised markets. This is a one-of-a-kind offer you can hardly find at any other sportsbook. William Hill caters to high-rollers, ready to wager big. In fact, it features such high betting limits as up to £500,000 for Men’s Majors & Ryder Cup and £100,000 for other markets. Meanwhile, golf tournaments at William Hill have a £250,000 maximum payout for the winner and £50,000 for other markets.
Popular Golf Betting Markets
Regardless of the golf betting app or site, the betting markets are generally identical. Surely, unique offers are available from one sportsbook to another, yet the basics are the same. Check out what you have at your disposal:
- Outright Winner: This is a classic market, which implies betting on who will win the whole tournament. Usually, bettors use this market for pre-match betting (weeks or even months ahead of the event), yet it’s available for live golf betting, too. Also, each-way betting (backing a player to end in the top five, eight, or ten) is common for this market.
- Each-Way Betting: This is a single bet, yet divided into two parts – one via an outright win and the other for a top finish. This betting market owes its popularity to the effective reduction of risk in tournaments with large fields.
- Top Finishes: When you pick a golf player and wager on whether he will finish inside the top 5/10/20, you make a Top Finish bet. On one side, it’s much safer than the outright winner bets. On the other hand, the odds are rather low.
- First-Round Leader: If you have in mind who will lead the tournament after the first round, place a First-Round Leader bet. This market features high odds and often attracts big accumulators.
- Two-Ball/Three-Ball Betting: This market indicates which golf player will score the lowest in the three-player or two-player group for the passing round.
- Match Bets: If you bet on which golfer scores lower over a round or the entire tournament, you are placing a match bet. It’s most popular for match-play and Ryder Cup events.
- Nationality Bets: As the name presumes, the bet is placed on the top player representing a particular country.
- Winning Margin: The bet is placed on how many strokes the winner will be ahead.
- Cut Markets: You can also bet on whether a golf player will qualify for the weekend rounds or not, thus placing Make or Miss the Cut. The golf market is especially useful for bets on inconsistent players.
Experiment with these markets when betting on golf sports, or make up an accumulator bet if you’re a riskier bettor. You will soon find out which betting market works better for you.
Types of Bonuses in Golf Betting
Golf betting websites offer various perks to new and regular punters so that they can enhance their betting pastime, increase winning odds, and stay active. Although online sportsbooks may introduce unique offers, the overall bonus system is built in the following way:
- Welcome Bonus: Designed for newcomers, the welcome offers are one-time rewards and are introduced via a set amount of free bets granted after the new bettor places their first wager on golf. For instance, William Hill and Bet365 offer free bets for Masters betting or placing US Open golf bets.
- Free Bets: Created for regular bettors, a Free Bet token is received after the punter places a qualifying golf bet. Usually, this type of bonus is tied to a specific event.
- Extra Places on Each-Way Betting: If a standard each-way term covers up to five finishes, with an extra each-way promo, you can get up to 10 finishes covered (mostly refers to majors).
- Money-Back: Some sportsbooks cover lost bets with a free bet under certain conditions. This is identical to the cashback casino bonus.
- Accumulator Bonus: If your accumulator wins, you get an extra payout percentage. Some sportsbooks also offer Acca Insurance (you get your stake back if only one leg loses).
- Price Boosts: Bookies can increase the odds on selected markets or even golf players.
- Event-Specific Promotions: These bonuses are tailored to major golf events – you can receive increased Ryder Cup odds or specific British Open betting lines.
Whatever bonus you activate for boosting your betting bankroll, take time to see the terms and conditions attached to it. Pay attention to the wagering requirement, min deposit, and the bonus validation date.
Advantages of Considering a New UKGC-Licensed Bookmaker
It’s widely recommended to UK bettors to choose a UKGC-licensed online sportsbook for golf live betting. The reasons are many, but such bookies also have their downsides. Let’s check both sides of the coin.
Pros
The basic benefits of betting on golf at a UKGC sportsbook are as follows:
- Regulatory Trust and High Security: The UKGC licence ensures that a bookie, whether a new or a long-established one, strictly adheres to regulatory standards, covering transactions, fair odds, responsible gaming, and segregated player funds.
- Generous Bonuses and Promos: As an incentive, a UKGC sportsbook may offer a set of lucrative bonuses via free bets, enhanced each-way terms, boosted odds, around major tournaments in golf.
- Modern Platform and UI: New UKGC sportsbook sites offer fresh designs and intuitive interfaces, catering to both desktop and mobile screens.
- Strong Odds and Market Diversity: New bookies need to attract clients, and strong odds and a diversity of markets are the best way. They offer a broad selection of markets covering niche and innovative golf-specific offerings.
Depending on the bookie you choose, you may also reveal other perks of betting on golf.
Cons
Before you sign up at an online sportsbook, consider the following possible downsides:
- Block for GamStop Listed Bettors: If you have self-excluded from the UKGC-licensed gambling and betting platforms, signing up at a new one will be impossible, either.
- Possible Bugs: During early operational phases, it is common for new sportsbooks to experience technical hiccups and glitches (especially in live betting mode).
Surely, betting on reputable sportsbooks, you will hardly encounter any of the specified downsides. These are more common for newly established platforms.
How to Choose the Best Golf Betting Site for You
Choosing an online bookie for betting on golf tournaments is a rather tricky task you should approach with a high sense of responsibility and caution. Appearing on the wrong platform will lead to losing bets, endangering your sensitive personal and financial information, and having your golf betting experience fail. Hence, abide by our recommendations to come up with a worthwhile virtual bookmaker.
Trustworthy
Trustworthiness in sports betting starts with a reliable licence. And the UKGC is so far unbeatable in these terms. This licence guarantees regulatory safeguards, including fair-play and anti-money laundering, safe deposits and withdrawals, access to dispute resolution, and strong responsible gaming tools.
Reliable
Reliable golf betting apps and sites ensure smooth financial operations, positive feedback from real users, as well as a reputation of a consistent platform. Long-standing brands that have a rich history of bettors’ trust and minimal scandals throughout the years are definitely a reliable choice.
Low Risk
Always bet at a safe and regulated bookmaker to reduce the risk of shady terms, non-payments, or blocked withdrawals. All the reviewed online sportsbooks have been proven secure and risk-free platforms for betting on golf.
Reputable
Dealing with a reputable bookmaker means getting a guarantee that your bets are in safe hands. To find such a platform, search among long-established brands which are financially stable, licenced by the UKGC, and transparent. The best examples are William Hill, Bet365, Paddy Power, Coral, and all other bookies reviewed here.
Player-Friendly T&C
Chasing a generous bonus without looking into its terms and conditions may disappoint you. Meanwhile, the best bookies set reasonable wagering requirements and expiry periods of bonuses, offer free bets usable on any golf market, don’t set any hidden odds reductions, and apply clear rules on dead heats.
Bookmaker Deposit Methods
Aside from offering beneficial golf betting odds, the best bookies also ensure timely and secure money deposits and withdrawals. For this, they deal with the best local and international payment providers.
Visa Debit Card
The basic pros of Visa international debit cards include universal acceptance at all online sportsbooks, licensed by the UKGC, ease of use, and eligibility for all welcome bonuses and further promotions. So, if you prioritise simplicity and reliability in payments, you should go for sportsbooks supporting Visa.
PayPal
Deposits via PayPal are conducted very fast and securely. Since PayPal doesn’t share bank details with the bookmaker, an extra privacy level is ensured. It’s also way more convenient to make mobile payments via PayPal.
Apple Pay
Apple Pay is highly beneficial for golf betting due to enhanced security (Face ID or Fingerprint) and speed. In fact, deposits are processed instantly. However, this method is unavailable for withdrawals. Note that Apple Pay is supported by almost all major UKGC bookmakers, like Ladbrokes, Bet365, etc.
Skrill
The digital wallet Skrill is widely used at UKGC sportsbooks thanks to its instant deposits, quick withdrawals, and high security level. The bettor is not required to share bank details with the sportsbook.
PaysafeCard
For quick, safe, and anonymous deposits with no need to reveal bank details, you can go for a PaysafeCard prepaid card. Another essential benefit of this payment gateway is that you can spend only the voucher amount; hence, it’s good for budgeting. Accordingly, if you need tight control over your spending on golf betting, it’s worth considering PaysafeCard.
Responsible Gaming
The quality of the Responsible Gaming policy determines whether the online sportsbook cares for its clients or if pursuing income is the only concern. This is all about making sure golf betting remains enjoyable, safe, and within our control. It’s especially essential for such sports disciplines as golf, since golf tournaments may run for days, and long odds can be tempting for higher-risk wagers.
So, the most trustworthy UKGC sportsbooks offer the following measures within the scope of their Responsible Gaming policy:
- Licensed protection: These sites are legally required to protect users from addiction, monitor their betting patterns, and offer support once necessary. You can also use various betting tips to both acquire control over your betting and boost winning odds.
- Control tools: By having the ability to limit your time, deposits and losses, you are giving your “alert” self more power over the “addictive” one. The best bookies also offer self-exclusion tools (for at least 6 months via GamStop).
- Support services: All our reviewed online sportsbooks partner with independent help organisations, like GamCare, BeGambleAware, NHS gambling clinics, and GamStop. They offer advice, support, counselling, and even hospitalisation (in severe cases) completely for free and anonymously.
Gamble responsibly and never chase losses. Don’t let betting become an addiction, but if it has already become one, seek help at specialised support services.