Before you start analysing the golf betting markets, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of golf rules and scoring.
It’s a complex sport, and can be harder to follow that some other mainstream sporting events.
The slower pace makes live betting a particularly appealing option for those interested in golf, whether you’re getting hyped up for the Masters or tuning into the Ryder Cup.
Below, we have covered everything you need to know about golf, starting with a quick look at the history of the sport.
History
The version of golf we recognised today began in Scotland in the 15th century. Ancient origins of the sport are up for debate.
Back in 1457, the first written acknowledgement of golf came when it was banned due to being a distraction from archery. James IV repealing the ban on golf was a seismic moment.
While the oldest rules of golf were dated to 1744, the earliest recorded game took place in 1672 at Musselburgh Links.
With Scotland’s strong ties to the sport’s history, it’s no surprise that the first major was played in Scotland. Scottish players had plenty of success in the early years. The first golf club was created in the USA as recently as 1888.
First played at the Olympics in 1900, Golf was not part of the Games from 1904 until 2016.
Rules
The simplest way to describe golf is a player has to hit a ball into a hole with a club. Each player/team is aiming to get the ball into the hole with the fewest number of strokes.
Each hole begins with players at the tee. They hit off the tee (called a ‘drive’). Players select a club for each shot depending on the terrain and position on the course.
Players are permitted to have a maximum of 14 clubs in their bag for a round – these include a combination of drivers, woods, irons, wedges, and putters.
Players must be sure of where their ball is. Hitting the wrong ball carries a two-stroke penalty. While a tee can be used for the first shot of a hole, the ball must be hit from where it lies for subsequent strokes.
If a ball is located in an unplayable spot, players can relocate the ball to a playable location for a one-shot penalty. This includes if the ball lands in water. If a ball is lost, players are given three minutes to find it before they face a penalty.
Scoring
While the aim is to take the fewest shots to get the ball in the hole, it’s not necessarily as simple as counting strokes. Pars are given for each hole, which are considered the number of strokes an average player would need.
Most courses include par-three, par-four, and par-five holes. Taking three shots on a par-four hole would mean a birdie (-1). Taking five shots on a par-four is called a bogey (+2).
A player’s end-of-round score is also given in relation to par. If a player uses 65 shots on a par-75 course, their score for the round would be -10.
Scoring also varies between strokeplay and matchplay. Strokeplay is used at individual tournaments. The event will generally be four rounds of 18 holes, with a cut after the second round. The player who completes the 72 holes in the fewest number of shots is the winner.
Matchplay is used for team events like the President’s Cup and Ryder Cup. Players or teams go head-to-head across 18 holes. Getting a better score than your opponent earns a point for that hole. If they require an equal number of shots on a hole, neither team receives a point.
The player/team with the most points at the end of the round wins the matchup. Teams then accumulate points based on how many of their teams win rounds.
Course Size & Dimensions
Golf courses have 18 shots. The first half of the course is called the ‘front nine’. The second nine holes are referred to as the ‘back nine’.
Each hole is unique. Players have to deal with different hole lengths, layouts, and terrain. Challenges will be along the way including water, bunkers, and trees.
Most of the area on a hole is called the ‘rough’, where the grass is slightly longer than the fairway. Around the flag marking the hole itself, there is a green with very short grass.
Equipment
Golfers will have a golf bag full of clubs. Drivers are used off the tee. Woods are for flatter, long hits. Irons vary from looking to hit the ball distance to playing a lay-up with a nine iron.
You then have wedges specifically for difficult situations. Golfers will also have their preferred types of putter.
Golf balls have a diameter of 1.68” (42.67 mm) and circumference of 5.28” (134.05 mm). They weigh just under 46 grams. Specific golf shoes and gloves are used by everyone from hobbyists to professionals.
Most Successful Countries at the Olympics
The United States have won 13 of the 25 medals handed out for golf at the Olympics. Great Britain is the second-most successful country with a total of three medals.
Britain, Canada, and South Korea are the only non-US countries to win a gold.
*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*
