Outright Winner betting is one of the most popular and straightforward betting markets in golf. It involves predicting which player will win a specific golf tournament. In this article, we’ll explore Outright Winner betting in golf, explain how it works, discuss its advantages and disadvantages, and provide examples to help you understand this betting option better.
Understanding Outright Winner Betting in Golf
In Outright Winner betting, you place a bet on the golfer you think will win a particular tournament. Bookmakers will offer odds for each player in the field, reflecting their perceived chances of winning based on factors such as current form, past performances, and course suitability.
The odds for Outright Winner bets are usually expressed in fractional or decimal format. For example, in a major tournament like The Open Championship, the bookmaker might offer the following fractional odds for some of the top contenders:
- Rory McIlroy: 8/1
- Jon Rahm: 10/1
- Dustin Johnson: 12/1
- Justin Thomas: 14/1
If you bet £10 on Rory McIlroy to win at 8/1 odds and he emerges victorious, your return would be: (£10 x 8/1) + £10 = £90 (including your original stake).
Advantages of Outright Winner Betting in Golf
Outright Winner betting in golf offers several advantages:
- Simplicity: Outright Winner bets are easy to understand and place, making them an excellent option for novice bettors.
- High potential payouts: As golf tournaments typically have large fields with many participants, the odds for Outright Winner bets can be quite high, potentially leading to substantial payouts for successful bets.
- Excitement throughout the tournament: Betting on the Outright Winner allows you to follow your chosen player’s progress throughout the tournament, adding excitement and interest to every round they play.
Disadvantages of Outright Winner Betting in Golf
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
- High risk: With so many players in the field, predicting the Outright Winner of a golf tournament can be challenging, making it a high-risk betting option.
- Potential for ties: In golf, it’s possible for players to tie for first place, which can result in lower payouts than expected if your chosen player is involved in a tie.
- External factors: Golf tournaments can be affected by external factors such as weather conditions, which can impact player performance and add an element of unpredictability to Outright Winner bets.
Example of an Outright Winner Bet in Golf
Let’s consider an example of an Outright Winner bet in golf:
- In the upcoming US Open, you’re considering placing an Outright Winner bet.
- The bookmaker offers the following fractional odds for some of the top contenders:
- Bryson DeChambeau: 10/1
- Brooks Koepka: 12/1
- Dustin Johnson: 14/1
- Rory McIlroy: 16/1
- After researching the players’ recent form and considering their past performances in the US Open, you decide to place a £20 bet on Brooks Koepka at 12/1 odds.
- Koepka performs well throughout the tournament and finishes in first place, two strokes ahead of the runner-up.
- Your Outright Winner bet is successful, and your return would be: (£20 x 12/1) + £20 = £260 (including your original stake).
Conclusion
Outright Winner betting is a simple and popular way to bet on golf tournaments, offering the potential for high payouts and the excitement of following your chosen player throughout the event. However, it’s essential to be aware of the high risk involved and the potential impact of external factors on the outcome of the tournament.
As with all forms of gambling, it’s crucial to bet responsibly and within your means. Before placing an Outright Winner bet, make sure to research the players, their form, and their suitability for the specific course and tournament conditions. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of Outright Winner betting in golf and making informed decisions, you can potentially enhance your betting experience and enjoy the thrill of backing a player to win a prestigious tournament.