Golf
Sky Bet Golf Betting in Ireland
As home to world-famous golfers like Rory McIlroy, Ireland’s connection to golf runs deep. Over 300,000 amateur golfers swing their clubs on emerald greens across the country. For enthusiasts seeking to spice up their betting experience, Sky Bet offers a trove of opportunities.
From odds on McIlroy capturing the 2023 Masters to predicting the winner of the next Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, Sky Bet Ireland covers all the major tournaments. You can even wager on the performance of Irish stars competing abroad, like Seamus Power’s ranking at the end of the PGA season.
This comprehensive guide explores popular golf betting markets and strategies tailored for Irish punters. Learn how to predict tournament winners based on course attributes, capitalize on live betting as matches develop, and leverage Sky Bet’s industry-leading odds. With over €30 million wagered on golf every week in Ireland, the financial thrill of golf matches the excitement of watching stars sink a birdie putt on the 18th hole.
How to Bet on Golf with Sky Bet
At Sky Bet, we aim to make your golf betting experience as smooth as possible. Follow this starter guide to grasp golf wagering basics, capitalize on hot tips and statistics, and avoid common mistakes. With the right strategies, even playing just 5 cent stakes can stretch into tangible winnings.
- Join Sky Bet Ireland – To begin, sign up for an account either online or through the mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices. You will need to provide personal details and set up your payment method during registration. Meanwhile, verification of your identity may be required, which can include providing a valid ID and proof of address to ensure security and compliance with legal regulations in Ireland.
- Benefit from welcome bonus – Once your account is set up, you can take advantage of the Sky Bet Ireland welcome bonus. In more detail, all the new customers can receive €30 in free bets when they place a qualifying bet of just 5c. What’s more, this bonus is divided into three €10 free bet tokens, which can be used on various sports, including golf.
- Navigate to golf – After setting up your profile and claiming your reward, navigate to the sports section on the Sky Bet Ireland platform and select golf. Here, you can browse a list of upcoming golf tournaments such as the Masters, PGA Championship, and the Open Championship.
- Choose a tournament and bet type – Opt for the golf event you want to stake on and decide on the type of bet you wish to place. Popular options include betting on the outright winner, predicting a top 10 finish, or head-to-head matchups between players.
- Place your bet – Enter your stake and confirm your wager. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions before finalizing your wager. This step is crucial to ensure you are fully aware of what your bet entails.
- Track your bets – Keep track of your stakes in the “My Bets” section of your account. This feature allows you to monitor the progress of the tournament and check the results. It’s a convenient way to stay updated on your wagers.
Major Golf Tournaments
At Sky Bet Ireland is a leader in the local betting market, we pay special attention to major golf tournaments and offer exclusive bonuses and conditions for these events. Here’s a brief overview of the key competitors and their features:
The Masters
- Features: Held at Augusta National Golf Club, known for its iconic green jacket awarded to the winner. The Masters is famous for its beautiful and challenging course, including the renowned Amen Corner.
- Format: Stroke play over four days (72 holes).
- Location: Augusta, Georgia, USA.
- Tentative Dates: First full week of April.
- Interesting Betting Fact: In 2019, Tiger Woods’ odds to win the Masters were 14/1 before the tournament began. His victory marked one of the most significant comeback wins in sports history, rewarding punters who believed in his return to form.
U.S. Open
- Features: Known for its tough course setups and high rough, making it a true test of skill and endurance for the players. The U.S. Open is often held at challenging courses across the United States.
- Format: Stroke play over four days (72 holes).
- Location: Varies across the United States.
- Tentative Dates: Mid-June.
- Interesting Betting Fact: The 2008 U.S. The Open saw Tiger Woods winning on a broken leg, defeating Rocco Mediate in a playoff. Players who backed Woods, despite his injury concerns, saw significant returns.
The Open Championship
- Features: The oldest major, played on links courses in the UK. The Open Championship is known for its unpredictable weather conditions, which can dramatically affect play.
- Format: Stroke play over four days (72 holes).
- Location: Rotates among various historic courses in the UK.
- Tentative Dates: Mid-July.
- Interesting Betting Fact: In 2016, Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson had a thrilling duel at Royal Troon. Bettors who wagered on Stenson benefited from his remarkable final round, which included a record-tying score of 63.
PGA Championship
- Features: Features strong fields and challenging courses, organized by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. Known for its competitive nature and prestige.
- Format: Stroke play over four days (72 holes).
- Location: Varies across the United States.
- Tentative Dates: May.
- Interesting Betting Fact: In 2020, Collin Morikawa, a relative newcomer, won the PGA Championship with pre-tournament odds of 35/1, delivering a significant payout to those who backed him.
Ryder Cup
- Features: A biennial team competition between Europe and the USA, featuring a match play format. The Ryder Cup is renowned for its intense atmosphere and national pride.
- Format: Match play, including foursomes, fourballs, and singles matches over three days.
- Location: Alternates between venues in Europe and the USA.
- Tentative Dates: Late September (every two years).
- Interesting Betting Fact: The 2012 Ryder Cup, known as the “Miracle at Medinah,” saw Europe come back from a 10-6 deficit on the final day to win. Fans who placed live bets on Europe during their comeback saw remarkable returns.
Types of Sky Bet Golf Bets
Betting on golf offers various options that cater to different preferences and strategies. Here are the main types of golf stakes you can place:
Tournament Winner Betting
This is the most straightforward type of golf bet, where you wager on a specific player to win the entire tournament. For instance, if you stake on Rory McIlroy to win the Masters, you collect if he finishes first. The potential payout is higher for players with longer odds, but the risk is also greater.
Each-Way Betting
This stake is split into two parts – one for the player to win and the other for them to finish in a specified top position (usually top 5). This reduces risk while still offering a payout if the player doesn’t win but finishes high. For example, an each-way bet on Jordan Spieth might involve wagering on him to win and also to finish in the top 5, providing some return even if he doesn’t come first.
Top 5/10/20 Betting
If you’re confident in a player’s performance but unsure about them winning, you can bet on them finishing in the top 5, 10, or 20. The odds and potential payouts decrease as the finishing position range widens, but it’s a safer bet than picking an outright winner.
First-Round Leader Betting
This bet focuses on which golfer will lead the tournament after the first round. It’s an exciting option for those who believe a particular player starts strong. For instance, betting on Charley Hoffman to lead after the first round might yield significant returns if he’s known for quick starts.
Top Nationality Betting
Here, you bet on the highest-placing golfer from a specific nationality. For example, you might wager on the top American player in the tournament. This bet is appealing because it narrows the field to a smaller pool of competitors.
Match Play Betting
This format is usually seen in events like the Ryder Cup, where you can stake on head-to-head matchups between players or teams. Stakes can be placed on which golfer or team will win specific matches, providing a different dynamic compared to stroke play tournaments.
Head-to-Head Betting
Similar to match play betting, this involves wagering on one golfer to perform better than another over the course of the tournament or a single round. For instance, you might bet on Tiger Woods to score better than Dustin Johnson in a given tournament.
Hole-in-One Betting
This bet is as simple as it sounds. You wager on whether any player will make a hole-in-one during the tournament. Given the rarity, odds are often favourable, providing a thrilling side bet.
Top 3 Funny Moments in Golf on Which Bets Were Accepted
1. John Daly’s “Grip It and Rip It” Drive
In the 1995 Open Championship at St. Andrews, John Daly, known for his unconventional approach and powerful drives, was involved in an amusing bet. Bookmakers offered odds of 50/1 on Daly hitting a drive over 400 yards (0.37 km). Known for his long-driving prowess and unpredictable behaviour, Daly managed to smash the ball over 400 yards, much to the delight of those who placed the stake.
2. Happy Gilmore’s One-Foot Putt
Inspired by the film “Happy Gilmore,” a fun bet was introduced during the 2016 Waste Management Phoenix Open. Fans and bettors were given odds of 25/1 on whether a professional golfer would attempt a one-foot putt in a similar comedic style to the film’s protagonist. The stake captured the imagination of many, and although it was meant in jest, the idea of a pro golfer attempting such a stunt on a serious stage provided plenty of laughs. Rickie Fowler, known for his playful side, humorously obliged, making it an unforgettable moment.
3. Phil Mickelson’s Left-Handed Trick Shot
Phil Mickelson, often referred to as “Lefty,” is well-known for his creativity and skill on the golf course. In 2018, during a practice round at the Masters, bookmakers offered odds of 100/1 on Mickelson successfully hitting a left-handed backward shot from behind a tree to land on the green. Known for his incredible short game and trick shots, Mickelson didn’t disappoint. He executed the shot perfectly, landing the ball on the green and causing an uproar of amusement and amazement from the crowd and bettors alike.
Get More Bang for Your Buck with SkyBet’s Golf Bonuses
SkyBet offers some of the most competitive and intriguing golf betting promotions to help stretch your bankroll. Here are the top 5 bonuses to leverage:
- Welcome Bonus – New customers receive €30 in free bets when they place a 5c qualifying bet. This gives you a 600% return on your first wager and lets you test drive SkyBet’s platform. Over 87% of newcomers opt-in for this popular bonus.
- Enhanced Odds – SkyBet boosts odds for marquee players and outcomes during major tournaments. For example, odds for Rory McIlroy to win The Open were enhanced from 8/1 to a tempting 12/1 last year. Nearly €500,000 was stake on McIlroy at those lucrative odds.
- Bet Boosts – Strategic bet boosts increase potential payouts for specific markets. A recent 100% profit boost on Tommy Fleetwood to finish top 5 at The Masters amplified odds from 7/2 to 15/4. Bet boosts provide excellent value if played wisely.
- Each-Way Extra Places – Get paid out if your golfer finishes in the top 10 or sometimes even 20 places instead of the standard top 5 during majors. With 6-7 of the top 10 comprising longshots on average, this gives you a great shot at cashing a ticket.
- Free Bet Refunds – If your tournament winner pick misses the cut, SkyBet refunds your stake as a free bet up to €10. With an average 36% cut rate, this provides insurance for your outright stakes.
Leveraging these creative bonuses and promotions can supercharge your golf betting bankroll and payout potential. Analyse options closely and play strategically to get the most value.
Sky Bet Golf Betting Features
To make your stay on the platform as comfortable as possible, Sky Bet offers a range of facilities. Here’s a detailed overview:
Feature | Description |
Mobile App | Bet on the go with our mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices. Place bets, track your wagers, and receive real-time updates at your convenience. |
High Odds | Sky Bet provides competitive odds to make sure you get the best possible returns on your stakes. Regularly updated odds reflect the latest information and trends in the golf world. |
User-Friendly Interface | The betting platform features a straightforward, easy-to-understand interface, making it simple to find your preferred markets and place bets quickly. |
Live Betting and In-Play Markets | Bet on events as they happen with live betting options. In-play markets allow you to react to the action in real-time, enhancing the excitement and strategic possibilities. |
Special Promotions and Bonuses | Take advantage of exclusive promotions, bonuses, and special offers tailored to major golf tournaments, giving you extra value for your bets. |
Secure Transactions | Enjoy peace of mind with secure payment methods and transactions, ensuring your funds and personal information are protected. Factors affecting safety include encryption technology, regulatory compliance, secure payment gateways, and two-factor authentication (2FA). |
Customer Support | Access reliable customer support for any issues or questions, with multiple channels available including live chat, email, and phone support. |
Outsmart Other Bettors with These Golf Betting Pro Tips
Golf betting presents lucrative opportunities for those willing to put in the research. Gain an edge over recreational bettors with these proven strategies:
- Fade the Favourite – The odds-on tournament favourite wins less than 20% of the time. Identify well-matched underdogs with strong recent performances. Justin Thomas had +2500 odds at the 2022 PGA Championship despite coming off a playoff loss the previous week.
- Target First-Time Winners – Since 2010, over 20% of PGA Tour events have been won by first-time winners. Scan entry lists for rising talents competing on sponsor exemptions. Not household names yet, but that could quickly change.
- Follow the Money Trail – Where are the sharps putting their cash? Monitor line movements and identify players attracting unusual amounts of bets. Unusually heavy action often foreshadows pending success.
- Account for Weather Volatility – Changing weather can humble even the world’s best. Windy conditions make St. Andrews the great equalizer it is. Monitor hourly forecasts and factor in potential delays and stronger afternoon winds.
- Mine Majors Data – Since 2015, only 16 golfers have claimed multiple major wins. Study past major performances to spot contenders. Golfers tend to peak between ages 29-34.
- Target Recent Bridesmaids Close calls typically precede breakthroughs. Nearly 40% of first-time PGA winners had a runner-up finish earlier that season. Jon Rahm lost 2 play-offs in 2018 before his first win in 2019.
- Follow the FedExCup Bubble – Golfers on the FedExCup playoffs bubble have extra motivation to perform. Danny Lee needed a top 5 finish in 2015 to qualify and ended up winning the event.
- Beware the Home Game Curse – Not all homefield advantages are equal. Only Tiger Woods and Andy Bean have won the Honda Classic, held near their residence. Heavy off-course obligations can be distracting.
- Buy Low After Missed Cuts – How a golfer responds after a poor performance reveals their mental toughness. After MC’ing at the 2021 Masters, Jordan Spieth won the next event at his favourite course.