Golf may not have the fast-paced drama of football or the fever-pitched loyalty of rugby in South Africa, but it’s quietly becoming one of the biggest new trends in the sports betting arena. From casual weekend players to die-hard punters who follow every PGA Tour move, golf is drawing attention—and bets—in record numbers.
The South African Betting Landscape: A Quick Overview
South Africa’s sports betting industry has grown rapidly over the past decade, transforming from a niche pastime into a mainstream entertainment activity for millions. This surge is largely driven by the increasing availability of internet access and smartphones, which have made placing bets easier and more convenient than ever before. Additionally, changes in legislation have created a more favorable environment for legal betting platforms to operate, boosting consumer confidence and encouraging more people to participate. As a result, betting has become deeply embedded in the fabric of South African sports culture.
When looking at the popularity of various sports among South African bettors, football stands head and shoulders above the rest, commanding nearly half of the total betting market share. Rugby follows, reflecting the nation’s passion for the sport, especially during international tournaments and the domestic league season. Horse racing and cricket also hold significant shares, supported by long-standing traditions and consistent fan engagement. These sports have dominated the betting scene for years, forming the backbone of the industry.
Golf, however, has traditionally occupied a smaller portion of the betting pie, with only about 7% of bettors focusing on it in 2024. While this might seem modest compared to football or rugby, the story behind these numbers is far more interesting. Golf betting is one of the fastest-growing segments, showing a strong upward trend fueled by a combination of increased interest in international tournaments and rising local star power. Unlike some saturated sports markets, golf offers fresh opportunities and untapped potential, attracting new types of bettors.
The “others” category, which includes a mix of less mainstream sports, remains relatively small but contributes to the diversity and richness of South Africa’s betting ecosystem. As golf continues to gain traction, it’s increasingly clear that it’s moving beyond being just a niche interest. The evolving landscape points to a broader shift in how South Africans engage with sports betting—becoming more strategic, diverse, and sophisticated across different sports, with golf staking its claim as a major player in this dynamic environment.
Global Tournaments, Local Heroes
One of the biggest reasons South Africans are increasingly drawn to golf betting is the strong presence and success of local players on the global stage. These athletes have put South African golf firmly on the map by competing — and often winning — in some of the world’s most prestigious tournaments. This international representation sparks a sense of national pride, which naturally translates into more interest in following their careers closely. And where there’s heightened interest, betting activity is sure to follow.
- Louis Oosthuizen: A major champion who won The Open Championship in 2010. His consistent performances in international tournaments have made him a household name in South Africa and beyond, attracting many bettors eager to back a proven winner.
- Charl Schwartzel: Another major winner, Schwartzel took home the Masters title in 2011. His aggressive style and knack for clutch performances have made him a favorite among golf fans and punters alike.
- Erik van Rooyen: A rising star with a growing list of strong finishes on the PGA and European Tours. Van Rooyen’s steady rise and frequent presence in leaderboards keep bettors interested in his matches.
- Thriston Lawrence: Known for his remarkable long drives and competitive spirit, Lawrence has been making waves internationally. His breakthrough performances have increased his profile among South African golf bettors.
- Branden Grace: Famous for shooting the first-ever 62 in a major championship (The Open 2017), Grace’s record-breaking feats have energized fans and gamblers.
- Dylan Frittelli: Another player steadily climbing the ranks with solid performances, contributing to South Africa’s reputation as a golf powerhouse.
- George Coetzee: With multiple wins on the European Tour, Coetzee consistently draws attention from fans and bettors interested in local talent.
- Jaco Ahlers: Active on both the Sunshine Tour and international circuits, Ahlers adds depth to the South African golf presence, making betting more appealing with a wider pool of contenders.
- Hayden Wilde (though primarily a triathlete, his involvement in golf-related charity events and crossover interest adds to the overall excitement around South African athletes in sports betting circles).
- Zach Murray: Known for strong performances in the Sunshine Tour, he contributes to the vibrant local golf scene that fuels betting interest.
Golf’s Predictability Appeals to Strategic Bettors
| Factor | Description | Impact on Betting | Example | Why South Africans Appreciate It |
| Player Form | Golfers tend to perform consistently over multiple rounds | Easier to analyze past performances and predict outcomes | Louis Oosthuizen’s steady scoring over a tournament | Bettors can track stats and trends over time |
| Weather Conditions | Wind, rain, and temperature directly affect ball flight and course difficulty | Betting strategies adjust based on weather forecasts | Windy conditions lower scoring chances | Punters use weather info to refine bets |
| Course Layout | Each course has unique challenges affecting player performance | Knowledge of course helps predict who will excel | Players excelling on links vs. parkland courses | Fans appreciate learning course details for strategy |
| No Sudden Game Changes | No red cards, penalties, or injuries disrupting play mid-round | Reduces randomness, making results more predictable | A golfer rarely exits due to injury mid-tournament | Reduces “luck” factor, rewarding research and insight |
| Methodical Pace | Slow, deliberate play allows bettors to follow progress closely | Enables in-play betting and adjustment of bets | Watching players’ progress hole-by-hole | Bettors enjoy the ongoing engagement and strategy |
Golf Is On TV All The Time—Literally
Golf has come a long way from being a niche sport that barely made it to prime-time television. Nowadays, major golf tournaments receive extensive TV coverage that spans four full days, usually from Thursday through Sunday. This marathon airtime means golf is no longer just background noise; it has become a central piece of sports broadcasting. Viewers get to see every stroke, every challenge, and every moment of tension unfold in real time, making golf far more engaging and accessible to a broader audience than ever before.
This increased visibility plays a huge role in driving interest in golf betting. When a sport is constantly on the screen, it naturally captures more attention, encouraging fans to get involved beyond just watching. With live broadcasts, viewers can keep up with the ebb and flow of the competition, observe how players handle pressure, and get a feel for who is performing well or struggling. This continuous engagement fuels a deeper connection to the game and makes betting a more immersive and exciting experience.
The rise of digital technology has taken this to another level. Today’s golf fans can follow live leaderboards, track individual player stats, and get up-to-the-minute updates throughout the tournament. This real-time data empowers bettors to make more informed decisions and even place in-play bets on specific rounds or individual holes. Instead of waiting for the final result, punters can adjust their bets as the tournament progresses, turning golf betting into a dynamic, interactive experience.
This perfect blend of entertainment and opportunity explains why golf betting is gaining momentum in South Africa. The constant TV presence keeps the sport fresh in people’s minds, while live data and in-play betting options create new ways to engage with the game. For many, it’s not just about watching golf anymore — it’s about being part of the action and turning their knowledge and intuition into winning bets.
The Betting Options Are Wildly Diverse
Golf betting has expanded far beyond just choosing the tournament winner. Nowadays, bettors have a huge array of markets to choose from, each catering to different preferences, risk levels, and betting styles. This variety makes golf betting exciting and accessible to everyone—from cautious strategists to thrill-seekers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the popular golf betting options available:
- Outright Winner
The classic and most straightforward bet where you pick the player you think will win the entire tournament. It’s simple but challenging, and the odds often reflect the difficulty of predicting the ultimate champion. - Top 5 Finish / Top 10 Finish / Top 20 Finish
Instead of betting on the outright winner, this market lets you wager on whether a player will finish within a certain range of positions. This reduces risk a bit, giving bettors more chances to win by backing consistent players likely to finish near the top. - Head-to-Head Matchups
In this market, you pick which of two golfers will have a better performance in the tournament or sometimes in a single round. It’s like a mini-battle and great for bettors who want to focus on player matchups rather than the whole field. - First Round Leader
Bet on which player will lead the leaderboard after the first round. Since golf tournaments last several days, this allows you to capitalize on strong starters or underdogs who might shine early. - Hole-in-One Bets
A fun and rare market where you wager on whether any player will score a hole-in-one during the event. It’s unpredictable but adds a thrilling angle, especially in tournaments played on challenging par-3 holes. - Over/Under Player Scores
Here, you bet on whether a player’s total score will be over or under a set benchmark for the tournament or a specific round. This requires some knowledge of the player’s form and the course difficulty, making it ideal for bettors who like analyzing stats. - Round Leaders
Similar to the First Round Leader bet but available for each round, allowing bettors to pick who will top the leaderboard on Day 2, Day 3, or the final day. - Top Nationality Finish
Some bookmakers offer bets on which player from a particular country (for example, South Africa) will finish highest. This adds a local pride element to betting.
Online Platforms Are Making It Easy and Sexy
| Feature | Description | Benefit to Bettors | Example Use Case | Why It Matters |
| Live Betting | Allows bettors to place wagers in real-time as the action unfolds | Enables quick reactions to changing game situations | Betting on who will win the next hole or round | Keeps bettors engaged and lets them capitalize on momentum shifts |
| Instant Withdrawals | Fast payout process allowing users to receive winnings quickly | Provides trust and convenience | Cashing out winnings immediately after a successful bet | Encourages more betting due to financial flexibility |
| Bonuses and Free Bets | Special promotions tied to golf tournaments and events | Lowers risk and boosts betting activity | Free bets during major tournaments like The Masters | Attracts new users and rewards loyal players |
| Data-Driven Tips | AI-powered predictions, player stats, and form trackers | Helps bettors make informed decisions | Accessing player performance trends before placing a bet | Improves chances of successful bets through smarter insights |
| Mobile-Friendly Apps | Optimized platforms for betting on the go | Offers convenience and accessibility | Placing bets from a smartphone while watching golf live | Makes betting seamless and fits modern lifestyles |
The Casual Vibe of Golf Attracts a Unique Audience
Golf has a distinctly different atmosphere compared to high-energy sports like football or rugby. Where those sports are often fueled by intense rivalries and emotional highs and lows, golf is much more laid-back and relaxed. This calm, measured vibe makes it appealing to a unique group of bettors who prefer a more easygoing betting experience. Instead of the nail-biting tension of a last-minute goal or try, golf offers a steady rhythm that feels more like a Sunday stroll than a sprint.
The people who bet on golf reflect this relaxed nature. One large group is the “weekend warriors”—casual fans who enjoy watching golf for fun and place bets mainly for entertainment rather than profit. They might not dive deeply into statistics or betting strategies but enjoy the social and leisurely aspect of the sport. Golf betting fits perfectly into their lifestyle because it doesn’t demand constant attention or rapid decisions, making it a perfect companion for a laid-back weekend.
Another segment is the data nerds who thrive on analyzing player form, course conditions, and other detailed stats. These bettors appreciate golf’s predictability and methodical pace, which allow for more thoughtful research and strategic wagers. They enjoy crunching numbers and using statistics to find value bets, treating golf betting almost like a science. For these players, golf is less about luck and more about skill—both on the course and in the betting process.
Finally, golf also attracts new bettors who find the sport less intimidating than fast-paced team sports. Without complicated rules or aggressive crowds, golf provides a welcoming entry point to the world of sports betting. Its “chill and bet” reputation helps ease beginners into gambling, offering a more approachable way to get involved. Whether it’s casual punters or serious strategists, golf’s casual vibe makes it a magnetic option for a wide variety of bettors in South Africa.