Know the game: what smart fans need to know about Golf

Golf’s early origins can be traced back to China over millennia; however, the modern version of the sport was developed in Scotland in the 15th century.

Whilst some debate where golf originated, most historians agree that golf originated in Scotland, and discussions about where did golf originate often highlight the Scottish roots of the modern game.

Today, Golf is worth millions in prize money, and that is only taking into account the four major golf championships. It’s time to understand an “ace” from a “bogey.”

Golf’s popularity has been around for a while, yet it has waned with accusations of elitism. Golf gained popularity among the mass audience when Tiger Woods, hailing from a modest background, took the sport by storm two decades ago.

Even though Woods has hit hard times, both on and off the course, newer stars, including Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson, are competing with established veterans like Woods and Phil Mickelson; golf’s popularity, ratings and prize money continue to soar. This rising popularity led to golf being added to the summer Olympic Games again in 2016, after an absence of 112 years (1904).

Introduction to golf

Golf is a sport enjoyed by millions worldwide, played both recreationally and competitively on a golf course.

The game centres around hitting a small ball into a series of holes using a variety of clubs, to complete the course in as few strokes as possible.

Whether you’re playing on one of the many golf courses scattered across the globe or watching the action unfold on the PGA Tour or LPGA Tour, golf offers a unique blend of strategy, skill, and patience.

The sport’s appeal lies in its accessibility—anyone can play golf, but mastering it takes years of practice.

With professional tours spanning continents and countless local clubs, golf continues to grow as a global phenomenon, offering new challenges and experiences on every course.

Golf history and origins

The roots of the modern game of golf can be traced back to Scotland, where the first documented mention of the sport appeared in 1457.

Early games were played on links land—coastal stretches of sandy soil and rolling dunes that shaped the character of the sport. The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, established in 1744, is recognised as the first golf club, and it was here that the earliest set of written rules was created.

As golf gained popularity, it spread throughout the British Isles and eventually to other parts of the world, including the founding of the Royal Calcutta Golf Club in 1829, one of the oldest golf clubs outside Great Britain.

Over time, the game evolved into its modern form, featuring 18 holes, specialised golf clubs, and the iconic golf ball. Today, golf’s rich heritage is celebrated at historic clubs and courses around the world, reflecting its journey from the windswept links of Scotland to a global sporting tradition.

Aim of golf

Golf aims to get the ball with fewest strokes possible into each of the 18 holes. (Some courses have nine holes, but the four major championships play with 18 holes).

The golfer “tees off” (starts the game) for each hole with the aim of getting the ball either as close to the putting green – or the hole as possible. The teeing ground is the designated area where the first stroke on each hole is made, marked by specific markers to help players optimise their shot and follow the rules.

Golf course and equipment

Golfers use a set of “clubs” to play the game. They may seem like a bag of sticks, but each club is distinctly different and serves a unique function when playing golf. The three variants are called woods, irons and putters.

Playing on different courses with varying layouts and terrains requires golfers to adapt their strategies and skills.

Golfers use woods to strike the ball the farthest when teeing off. Over time, woods have evolved from traditional wooden clubs to modern clubs with a metal head, such as those made from titanium or stainless steel, for improved performance and durability.

Irons are used to play the ball out of tricky spots or to chip the ball onto the putting green. Golfers only use putters on the putting green to gently knock or glide the ball into a hole. Each golfer is permitted a maximum 14 clubs in total. In addition to these main types, players may also use other clubs designed for specific shots or conditions.

Typically, golf balls are white, covered in pockmarks to permit the ball to fly faster through the air. Colourful variants of golf balls also exist, but white is the standard.

When a game of golf begins, golfers use a tee, a small pin to place the ball on and keep still before striking along the green. Once hit, players are not permitted to use tees along the course.

Golfers wear one glove to maximise their grip on their club, so it does not slip out of their hand when striking the ball. The glove also helps to prevent painful blisters.

Golf technology

Advancements in golf equipment have transformed the way the game is played, offering players greater precision and power.

The golf ball, once a handmade creation stuffed with feathers, has become a marvel of engineering, designed for maximum distance and control. Golf clubs have undergone significant changes, with the introduction of metal heads, lightweight graphite shafts, and adjustable features that enable players to fine-tune their performance.

Events like the PGA Tour’s Memorial Tournament showcase the latest innovations in drivers, irons, and putters, as professional golfers push the limits of what modern golf equipment can achieve. The Professional Golfers Association plays a key role in setting standards and ensuring that new technologies enhance the game while maintaining its integrity.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend player, the right combination of golf clubs and a well-designed golf ball can make all the difference on the course.

Scoring in golf

Golf scores have a fascinating secondary terminology that you will hear commentators mention often:

• Ace – Hole in one, the ball is stuck from the tee-off into the hole
• Albatross – Three strokes ‘under par’ on a hole (-3) – also known as a double eagle in American English
• Eagle – Two strokes ‘under par’ on a hole (-2)
• Birdie – One stroke ‘under par’ on a hole (-1)
• Bogey – One stroke ‘over par’ on a hole, so four strokes to sink the ball (+1)
• Double bogey – Two strokes ‘over par’ on a hole, so five strokes (+2)

A ‘four shot victory’ refers to a player winning a tournament by finishing four strokes ahead of the runner-up, highlighting a significant margin of dominance in golf scoring.

Other important golf terms

Cup – What course holes are called

Marker – When afar from the hole, a flag is placed in the hole, so players can see from afar. The flag is removed when players are on the putting green.

Rough – Acting as the course border, it is the ground surrounding the runway and is neither grass or smooth. Hence, players wish to avoid “being in the rough.”

Out of bounds – As its name suggests, where play is not permitted.

Sand Bunker – a sandy area of the course, again best to be avoided.

Water hazard – a body of water on the course where players also avoid. The ball in the water needs to be chipped out.

Fairway – The part of the course beginning at the tee-off and along the putting green.

Putting green – Usually referred to as the green, the smooth grassy surface is where players attempt to keep the ball on.

Drive – Usually the first strike of the ball with a club. The aim is to hit the ball as hard as they can to go as far as possible.

Chip – A short stroke used to chip the ball out of the rough or water and back onto the green.

Putt – when players tap the ball lightly to place it near or into a hole.

Caddy – The golfer’s assistant who carries their clubs around.

Final qualifying – The last stage of qualification for major tournaments, such as the U.S. Open, where players compete in a playoff to earn a spot in the main event.

Rules and regulations

Golf’s rules are carefully maintained by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA), ensuring consistency and fairness across the sport.

These governing bodies oversee everything from the specifications of golf equipment—such as the size and construction of golf balls and golf clubs—to the conduct of play for both amateur golfers and professionals.

The rules outline the proper format for stroke play and match play, detail how to handle penalties like the two-stroke penalty, and guide for resolving disputes on the course. Adhering to these regulations is essential, whether you’re playing a casual round or competing in a major tournament at St Andrews.

By upholding these standards, the game preserves its spirit of sportsmanship and respect, allowing players of all levels to enjoy golf on a level playing field.

Golf’s major championships and golf events

The most prestigious tournaments in the golfing calendar take place between April and August each year, referred to as the four majors. These are considered the biggest professional events in golf, attracting the world’s top touring professionals and elite amateur golfers. For professional players, winning one of these competitions is the pinnacle of their career.

Women’s major championships play a crucial role in the professional circuit, with events like the Women’s Open and the Women’s PGA Championship standing out as highlights of the season. Increased prize money and growing international interest have elevated the profile of women’s golf, drawing competitive fields and global audiences. Amateur tournaments, such as the U.S. Amateur, also serve as important stepping stones for future professionals.

Full-field scores and comprehensive leaderboards allow fans to track player performance across each round. The drama of “stretch Sunday” and potential play-offs add to the excitement and unpredictability of these tournaments.

The majors

Masters Tournament

Held annually at the beginning of April, the event is held at the Augusta National Golf Club, and most people still associate it with the “Green Jacket.” A green jacket is awarded to the tournament winner who is permitted to wear the jacket for a year until the next competition. The previous winner always presents the jacket to the new winner. The total prize money awarded is $11 million.

The United States Open Championship

Another annual event and it’s the 2nd major PGA tournament. The event takes place every June, and many fans attend due to the great weather. The competition is played on several courses, so can be very demanding for players but leads to more exciting play. Players can earn a spot in the U.S. Open through open final qualifying, which includes events like the exciting Springfield final qualifying playoff. Erin Hills is a notable venue that has hosted the U.S. Open. The competition is always scheduled, so the final day is on US Father’s Day. Total US Open 2024 prize purse was $20 million.

Open Championship

Also known as the Open, it is the oldest major and the only one located outside the United States, garnering widespread global interest. The Open Championship is also commonly referred to as the ‘British Open’, highlighting its historic and prestigious status as one of the oldest and most traditional golf championships. 

First played in 1860 and administered by The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. Courses are known as “links” – an old Scottish English term, and being mainly in Scotland, conditions can be blustery and challenging for the best players to win. Prize money, even though based in the UK, has been in US dollars since 2017 and currently stands at $16.5 million.

PGA Championship

The PGA is the last of the four annual major golf tournaments, known as the US PGA for those outside the USA. Played on a different course each year adds to its unpredictability to discover a winner, making it interesting for betting, and the prize fund for 2024 reached $17.5 million.

Team and international competitions

Ryder Cup

Although neither a singles event nor an annual one, the biennial Ryder Cup is hugely popular for both players and global fans alike. Contested between the best US and European players, the course is switched each time to either a location in America or Europe.

The Ryder Cup involves various match play competitions between players selected from two teams of twelve. Unlike the singles event, the players on both sides do not receive any prize money, representing their “continent” for prestige, and are led by a team captain. Because of this, the Ryder Cup is unpredictable, exciting and a fantastic event to bet on.

Solheim Cup

The women’s equivalent of the Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup follows a similar format and is also held every two years. It showcases the top female golfers from Europe and the USA in an intense, team-based competition.

Olympic Golf Tournament

Reintroduced to the Games in 2016, the Olympics provide a global stage for men and women to compete in 72-hole stroke play. While not a major, its symbolic value and medal contention add a unique dimension.

Other Significant Tournaments

The Players Championship

Often dubbed the “fifth major,” this flagship PGA Tour event is held at TPC Sawgrass in Florida. Known for its deep field and famous 17th-hole Island Green, it offered a record $25 million purse in 2024.

FedEx Cup Playoffs

A series of PGA Tour events culminating in the Tour Championship, where players compete for an $18 million bonus as FedEx Cup champion. Points are accumulated over the season, and final rankings determine qualification.

DP World Tour Events

The European-based tour hosts global events, such as the BMW PGA Championship and the DP World Tour Championship. Co-sanctioned events with the PGA Tour have grown in importance, and fields are becoming increasingly competitive.

Breakaway and controversial Leagues

LIV Golf League

Launched in 2022 and financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, LIV Golf introduced a team and individual format with unprecedented prize funds. Each event offers $25 million, making it one of the most lucrative series in the sport. The league has prompted restructuring and negotiations across the PGA and DP World Tours, marking a significant shift in the professional golf landscape.

How to bet on golf: know the game

With this guide to golf, you should have enough to get started watching and betting on golf. Of course, you will need to observe a few games before you start betting, but master these basics, and you’ll find yourself begging to know more about the intricacies and strategies of this highly demanding and mentally challenging sport.

Golf isn’t just about swings and scorecards—it’s a test of precision, patience, and psychological resilience. Whether you’re drawn by the drama of a major or looking to place a bet, understanding the formats and betting variables will sharpen your perspective.

Golf offers a wide range of betting markets. You can wager on:

• Tournament winner – back the player you believe will win the event.
• Top 5/10/20 finish – bet on whether a golfer will place within a certain ranking.
• Head-to-head matchups – pick which of two paired golfers will finish higher.
• Round leader – bet on who will top the leaderboard after a specific round.
• Each-way bets – combine win and place bets for more flexibility.
• Nationality props – predict the top player from a specific country.
• Cut betting – wager on whether a player will make or miss the cut after two rounds.
• Performance of a female golfer – bet on how a female golfer will perform in women’s tournaments, such as LPGA events.

Since tournaments are played over four days, golf is ideal for both pre-tournament bets and in-play betting. Weather changes, course difficulty, and player consistency all affect outcomes over time.

Smart golf bettors pay attention to:

• Course history – some players perform better on specific layouts or turf types.
• Current form – recent results indicate rhythm and confidence.
• Driving accuracy and putting stats – key metrics that vary by course.
• Weather conditions – wind and rain can drastically influence shot selection and scores.
• Tee times – early or late starters may face differing conditions.

Reading golf odds is essential. As in other sports, positive numbers indicate underdogs and higher payouts; negative numbers represent favourites. Because of the large field sizes, long odds are common—spotting value often means identifying in-form players just outside the favourites list.

Unlike team sports, golf provides year-round betting opportunities across international tours, including the PGA, DP World Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA events.

If you’re new to golf, explore betting tipsters who focus on the sport to help you shape early strategies. For more experienced bettors, arbitrage software can reveal value gaps across bookmakers for more informed decision-making.

With its global schedule, rich traditions, and unpredictable drama, golf rewards both patient viewers and sharp bettors who genuinely know the game.