Best Golf Betting Sites in Ireland 2026: Your Expert Guide
Welcome to your ultimate guide to the best golf betting sites in Ireland for the 2026 season. Our experts have analyzed the top bookmakers, focusing on market depth for the Majors, each-way terms, in-play features, and special promotions for the biggest tournaments, including the Irish Open and the Ryder Cup.
Last Updated: December 18, 2025. Information is current as of this date and reflects the expected regulatory landscape for 2026.
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Top Golf Betting Sites for Irish Punters 2026
- Attractive bonus and VIP features: multiple deposit bonuses, weekly cashback up to 25%
- Huge game selection: 5,000+ – 6,000+
- Fast payments and crypto support.
- Vast game selection: thousands of slots, table games, and live dealer.
- User-friendly platform & 24/7 support.
- Fast payments and crypto support.
- Offers a variety of slots, table games, and live dealer options.
- Licensed and regulated with strong security measures.
- Competitive welcome offers and promotions for players.
- Offers a vast range of sports and betting markets
- High-quality live streaming with real-time betting options
- Well-established brand with strong security and licensing.
- Modern and easy-to-navigate interface.
- Quick withdrawals, especially via e-wallets.
- Offers slots, live casino, and sports betting.
The Casumo Services Limited company is registered under reg number c-55663 in Malta as well.
Betting on Irish Golfers
Supporting our own is a huge part of golf betting in Ireland. Here’s what to consider when betting on Irish stars:
- Pádraig Harrington: A veteran and three-time Major champion. While he plays mainly on the Champions Tour, he can still compete in the Majors, offering huge each-way value.
- Rory McIlroy: One of the best drivers in the world. He thrives on long, parkland courses where his power is an advantage. Look for him at The Masters and the PGA Championship.
- Shane Lowry: A master of creativity and a brilliant iron player, especially in windy conditions. He’s always a threat at The Open and the Irish Open, particularly on links courses.
How to Analyze a Golf Tournament for Betting
Successful golf betting goes far beyond just backing the world number one. Here’s what experts analyze:
- Course Form vs. Current Form: A player might be on a hot streak, but do they have a good record at this specific course? Some courses just don’t suit a player’s eye.
- Course Type: Is it a long, open “bomber’s” paradise (like Augusta), or a tight, windy links course (like Carnoustie or Muirfield) that rewards accuracy?
- Weather’s Crucial Role: A forecast of 15+ mph wind favours players with a low, controlled ball flight. Check the forecast for the whole week, as different tee times can face very different conditions.
- Key Player Stats (Strokes Gained): “Strokes Gained” data (available on the PGA Tour website) tells you *how* a player is performing. For a long course, focus on “SG: Off-the-Tee.” For a course with small greens, “SG: Approach” is king.
Popular Golf Betting Markets Explained
- Outright Winner: The classic bet on who will lift the trophy.
- Each-Way (E/W) Betting: The most popular golf bet. It’s two bets in one: a bet to win, and a bet to “place” (e.g., finish in the top 8). This is the best way to back players at longer odds.
- Top 5/10/20 Finish: A straightforward bet on a player to finish high up the leaderboard. The odds are shorter than an outright win, but the chance of a return is much higher.
- First Round Leader (FRL): Bet on who will be leading after Thursday. This market has value for players who start fast but may not have the consistency to win over four days.
- 3-Ball / 2-Ball Betting: Bet on which player in a group will have the lowest score for that specific round. A great way to bet on form rather than the whole tournament.
The Tournaments That Matter Most
- The Masters (April): The iconic tournament at Augusta National.
- PGA Championship (May): Known for having the strongest field of all the majors.
- U.S. Open (June): Notoriously difficult courses that test every aspect of a player’s game.
- The Open Championship (July): The oldest major, played on traditional links courses.
- The Irish Open: Ireland’s premier tournament, attracting top talent and huge home crowds.
- The Ryder Cup: The biennial showdown between Europe and the USA.
Ryder Cup Specific Betting
The Ryder Cup is a unique team event with its own betting markets:
- Outright Winner: Bet on Europe or the USA to win the trophy (a tie is also an option).
- Correct Score: Predict the final score of the match (e.g., Europe 14.5 – 13.5 USA).
- Top Points Scorer: Bet on which player from either team will earn the most points for their side.
- Session Betting: Bet on which team will win a specific session (e.g., Friday Foursomes).
Best Markets for In-Play Golf Betting
The slow pace of golf makes it perfect for live betting. Here are the best times to find value:
- The Back Nine on Sunday: As leaders feel the pressure, this is the time to bet on a player making a charge.
- Reacting to a Bad Start: If a pre-tournament favourite has a poor opening round, their outright odds will lengthen significantly. This is a great time to get a value bet if you believe they can fight back.
Common Golf Betting Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Each-Way Bets: With fields of 150+ players, picking the outright winner is incredibly difficult. Each-way betting is your best friend in golf.
- Only Betting on the Favourites: Golf is notoriously unpredictable. Long-shot winners are common, making Top 10 or Top 20 finish bets on outsiders a smart strategy.
- Underestimating the Weather: A change in wind direction can completely alter how a course plays.
Betting Exchanges for Golf
For advanced bettors, exchanges like Betfair are excellent for golf. You can “lay” a player (bet on them *not* to win), which is a powerful strategy, especially in-play on Sunday when a leader starts to falter.
Comparison: Top Golf Betting Sites 2026
*E/W terms are for standard tournaments; they are often enhanced for Majors. Withdrawal times are estimates and can vary.
Karl’s Final Verdict: Betting on golf is a test of patience and analysis. The key to long-term success isn’t always chasing the 50/1 winner. My top tip: focus on the “Top 10 Finish” and “3-Ball” markets. They offer more consistent returns and reward deep knowledge of player form and course fit. Find a bookmaker with generous each-way terms, bet with your head, and enjoy the four-day drama!
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Betting
General Golf Betting Questions
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What is the best way to bet on golf?
For most punters, each-way (E/W) betting is the best approach. It gives you a chance at a big payout if your player wins, but also a return if they finish high on the leaderboard. For more consistent action, 3-ball/2-ball betting on individual rounds is very popular.
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What does “Extra Places” mean in golf betting?
Standard each-way bets might pay out on the top 5 finishers. For major tournaments, many bookmakers offer “Extra Places,” extending the payout to the top 6, 8, or even 10 finishers. This significantly increases your chances of getting a return on your each-way bet.
Betting & Legal Questions
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Are winnings from betting taxed in Ireland?
For individual recreational punters in Ireland, winnings from betting are generally not subject to Capital Gains Tax or income tax. The tax burden (Betting Duty) falls on the bookmaker. This is not legal advice; always consult a tax professional.
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What are the betting regulations in Ireland for 2025?
The online gambling landscape in Ireland is being overseen by the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). This framework, established under the Gambling Regulation Act, introduces key rules such as a mandatory ban on credit card betting and stricter advertising standards. Always ensure your chosen bookmaker is compliant with these regulations.
Play Smart. Play Responsibly.
Gambling can be addictive. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please seek help. We recommend setting deposit limits, loss limits, and time outs on your account. For free and confidential support in Ireland, contact:
GambleAware.ie | Freephone: 1800 853 853
ProblemGambling.ie | Helpline: 089 241 5401
For a free self-help tool, you can also check out The Stop Gambling App by Extern.