When you get into golf betting, you need to learn more than just the games of the individual players. It’s also important to assess course conditions and how that will come into play.
Some golfers play better on short courses, other longs, weather conditions come into play, etc. If you want to make stronger golf bets and need some insight into golf course conditions, here are the things to consider.
Key Golf Course Conditions to Consider
Here are the most important conditions to assess before placing your golf bets on major tournaments or weekly events.
Thickness of Rough
Thick rough can make it harder for golfers to hit accurate shots. Not only does the rough impact the approach shot to the green, but it can also make short-game shots much more difficult to get close to the pin.
Golfers often refer to something called “Us Open “ rough. This describes just how thick golf course superintendents will let golf course grass grow for major championships.
When the rough is thick, you’ll want to bet on golfers who excel in accuracy off the tee.
Length of Golf Holes
Longer golf holes benefit the longer hitters. When golfers have maximum distance off the tee, they can get closer to the green and give themselves a shot at an easy approach shot.
Look at the total yardages on golf courses you are betting on and see how that compares to par.
Long golf courses with a low par (70 or 71) are best for longer hitters. Short hitters will hit longer irons into greens, making the game more difficult.
Green Speeds
Golf green speeds are much faster for professional golf tournaments than for amateur events. The faster the greens, the more precise golfers have to be in their putting skills.
Different grass types, like Bermudagrass and Bentgrass, can also impact speeds and player performance.
However, you’ll quickly learn that some courses are known for having greens that are “like glass,” as many players like to say. These greens are difficult to stop a ball on and it’s a frustrating thing for players.
Check putting stats from a variety of distances but especially in that 10 foot and under range.
Weather Conditions
When the weather turns bad, it’s hard for all golfers. However, some weather conditions are easier for some than others. Some golfers are known for playing well in the wind and rain, and others let it get to them.
Track how players perform in varying weather conditions. Remember that local course knowledge is always an advantage, but it’s even more of an advantage when the weather conditions get difficult.
Golfers who grew up playing in Ireland and Scotland on links-style courses will know how to compete in these difficult conditions.
Overall Course Design and Layout
Take a look at the course design and see how water hazards, bunkers, and dogs' legs will play a role. Golfers who “scramble” well are those who can get up and down from difficult locations.
Take a look at scrambling percentage and sand saves to see if there are players who would be more likely to win an event based on that information. Remember that this is a good time to reflect on a player's previous performance on these layouts.
A New England golf course with tree-lined fairways and dog legs will play much differently than an Arizona course with large waste areas. Start to learn which players thrive in which conditions.
Elevation Changes
Golfers must understand the impact that elevation changes have on their ability to get distance from their shots.
Courses with significant elevation changes can make it easier to hit the ball further, but this requires specific adjustments to avoid overshooting targets.
We watch this happen every year when golfers make tour stops in Denver. You’ll want to look at how well they adjust to these conditions.
It seems like more distance is always a positive, but it’s more about the ability to adjust to certain elevation changes.
Additional Betting Tips
If you need a few more golf betting tips, here are some to keep in mind.
Analyse Recent Performances: Look at how players have performed under similar conditions in recent tournaments.
Consider Course Specialists: Identify players known for their strong performances on specific types of courses or conditions.
Watch for Betting Lines: Pay attention to how oddsmakers adjust betting lines based on course conditions leading up to the event. Keep an eye on current lines at 888Sport.
*Credit for the photo in this article belongs to Adobe*
