Ever heard about “3-ball” betting in golf and wondered what it means?
In golf betting, a 3-ball bet lets you wager on which one of three golfers will score the lowest in a specific round of a tournament.
It’s a head-to-head-to-head matchup contained within the round – like a mini-contest among a trio of players.
In this guide, we’ll break down what 3-ball betting is, how it works, how it differs from 2-ball bets, and everything else you need to know to bet smart on these exciting golf matchups.
We’ll also dive into tie rules (dead heats), tournament-long 3-ball props, how 3-ball compares to group betting or outright bets, and tips for handicapping 3-ball matchups.
Let’s tee off!
What Is a 3-Ball Bet in Golf?
A 3-ball bet in golf is a wager on which player will post the best score out of three golfers grouped together for a round.
In most PGA Tour events, players go out in threesomes for the first two rounds, and sportsbooks offer odds on each member of those groups – that’s where 3-ball betting comes from.
Essentially, you’re betting on a small three-player contest within the larger tournament: who will shoot the lowest score among that threesome for that round.
Key points about 3-ball bets:
- Round-Specific: 3-ball wagers are usually settled after one round (18 holes). For example, you might bet on a first-round grouping in the Masters featuring Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and Collin Morikawa. Your bet is just for that round’s scores – it doesn’t carry over to the next day. This short-term focus gives quick results, which many bettors enjoy. (Some books may offer tournament-long group bets too – more on that later.)
- Head-to-Head-to-Head: Unlike betting on a tournament winner (which involves the entire field), 3-ball betting is a much smaller matchup – just three players going directly against each other. This makes it more manageable to analyze since you only care about those three golfers’ performances, not the whole leaderboard.
- Plus Odds for Each Player: Because there are three possible winners, each golfer is typically listed at plus-money odds (e.g. +150, +200) in a 3-ball market. It’s harder to beat two opponents than just one, so the payouts are higher to reflect that risk. Even the “favorite” in a 3-ball will often have odds better than even money. For example, a Round 1 3-ball at the British Open had Brooks Koepka as the clear favorite of his group at +100, with Jason Kokrak at +175 and Garrick Higgo at +300. All three options offered a potential profit because the probabilities are spread across three players.
- Value Opportunities: Those plus-odds can mean enticing value if you have a good read on a matchup. If you fancy an underdog in the trio, a correct pick can yield a nice payoff. Even strong players who are favored might still be at +120 or +150, which can be attractive compared to standard head-to-head bets. (Of course, remember that the reason the odds are higher is the outcome is less certain with a third contender in the mix.)
In short, 3-ball betting lets you zero in on a small group and predict who will come out on top for that round. It’s a fun way to engage in a tournament because every hole among those three players matters for your bet. Next, let’s look at how to read 3-ball odds and how these bets work in practice.
How 3-Ball Betting Works (Reading the Odds)
Placing a 3-ball bet is straightforward. Sportsbooks list the three players in a group along with their odds to win that mini-matchup for the round. Your job is to pick which golfer will shoot the lowest score of the trio. Here’s how it works:
- Odds Format: In the US, 3-ball odds are usually given in moneyline format (plus/minus). Since all three players in a 3-ball are typically underdogs relative to each other, you’ll mostly see plus odds for each name . For example, you might see:
- McIlroy +250 (a $100 bet would profit $250 if Rory wins the group)
- Thomas +150 (a $100 bet would profit $150 if JT wins)
- Morikawa +175 (a $100 bet would profit $175 if Collin wins)
In this scenario, Justin Thomas is the favorite among the three (lower payout implies the book sees him as having the best chance), while McIlroy is a longer shot for that round. The odds reflect factors like each player’s skill, recent form, and sometimes public betting interest.
- Payout Calculation: Suppose you put $100 on Thomas at +150 in that 3-ball example and he indeed shoots the lowest score of the trio. You’d win $150 in profit, and get back your $100 stake, for a total payout of $250. If your pick ties or doesn’t win, we’ll cover that in a moment (tie rules can affect the payout). The important thing is understanding that the higher the plus-number, the less favored the player is to win the 3-ball, and the bigger your potential payoff if they do.
- One Winner (Usually): In each 3-ball group, the lowest score wins. If McIlroy shoots 68, Thomas 70, and Morikawa 72, Rory wins the 3-ball – it doesn’t matter what those scores are relative to the rest of the field. Even if all three play poorly or all shoot under par, it only matters who has the lowest number among them. Your bet is isolated to their competition with each other.
- Different Rounds, New Bets: 3-ball odds are typically posted for each round of a tournament. The common offering is for Round 1 and Round 2 (when groups are set as threes). After the cut, pairings often go to twosomes, so 3-ball bets might not be available for Round 3 and 4 unless an event sticks with groups of three . However, some sportsbooks do continue to offer group matchups or might create new 3-ball groupings among those who made the cut. Generally, though, you’ll be betting fresh in each round. For instance, the same trio from Round 1 will usually play together in Round 2 as well, but their Round 2 3-ball odds could shift based on how they played on day one (e.g., if McIlroy dominated in Round 1, his odds might shorten for Round 2).
- House Edge Consideration: One thing to note is that sportsbooks build in a margin (vig) into these odds. With three outcomes, the house edge on 3-ball bets can be higher than on two-player matchups. Often the implied probabilities of all three odds add up to over 100%. For example, a group might have odds that equate to around a 110% total probability (meaning a ~10% vig). This is slightly higher juice than many 2-ball (head-to-head) bets. While you don’t need to calculate this for casual betting, just be aware that the book takes a cut – so picking your spots wisely is important.
Now that you know the basics of reading 3-ball odds, let’s compare 3-ball betting to the simpler 2-ball (two-player) bets and highlight the differences in rules and strategy.
3-Ball vs. 2-Ball: What’s the Difference?
Both 3-ball and 2-ball bets fall under golf matchup betting, but there are some key differences:
- Number of Players: This one’s obvious – 2-ball is a head-to-head between two golfers, while 3-ball involves three golfers. A 2-ball bet is essentially picking who wins a 1-on-1 matchup (like Player A vs Player B), whereas a 3-ball is a 1-on-1-on-1. Because a 3-ball has that extra competitor, it’s a bit harder to win, and thus each player’s odds are higher (as discussed, usually all plus-money). In a fair 2-ball with evenly matched players, you might see both around -110 or -115, implying roughly a 50/50 battle. In a 3-ball with evenly matched players, each might be around +200 (implying each has about a 33% chance, plus some vig).
- When They’re Offered: 2-ball bets often come into play on the weekend of a tournament. For example, on Saturday and Sunday the field is usually paired into twosomes, so sportsbooks offer a lot of 2-ball matchups for those rounds. They also offer full-tournament head-to-heads (72-hole matchups) between two players. Meanwhile, 3-ball bets are most common in the first two rounds when groups of three are standard. Some sportsbooks will list “Round 1 3-balls” and “Round 2 3-balls” markets for nearly every group teeing off those days. After the cut, if everyone is in twos, you’ll switch to 2-ball betting (though occasionally, if an odd number of players make the cut, one threesome might go out in Round 3 and you could see a 3-ball bet there).
- Odds and Payouts: As mentioned, in 2-ball matchups you’ll often get a favorite and an underdog. For instance, Player A -130 vs Player B +110 in a round. In 3-ball, you might see all three with plus odds (e.g. +120, +185, +300) or one could even be a slight minus favorite if he’s heavily favored (like -120, +180, +350 for a strong player against two long shots). The presence of a third outcome changes the odds dynamics significantly – you won’t see a -200 favorite in a 3-ball too often, whereas -200 or shorter can happen in a lopsided 2-ball. In short, 2-ball bets tend to offer lower payouts but a higher chance of winning, while 3-ball bets offer higher payouts but tougher odds.
- Ties and Outcomes: Here’s a big practical difference – how ties (draws) are handled. In a 2-ball matchup, a tie is possible (both players shoot the same score). Sportsbooks handle this in two ways:
- “Two-Way” 2-ball (No Tie Option): Most common scenario – you simply pick Player A or Player B. If they tie, the bet is usually a push and your stake is refunded . In other words, neither wins, and it’s as if the bet didn’t happen.
- “Three-Way” 2-ball (Tie Included): Some books offer a third option for a tie in a 2-ball. In that case, the odds on each player will be a bit longer (to account for the new tie outcome). For example, instead of both players around -110, it might be Player A +105, Player B +125, and “Tie” +700. If you bet on A or B in this format and they tie, you lose (because only a bet specifically on “Tie” would cash). The tie becomes a distinct outcome. This format is less common, but it exists, and new bettors should be careful to check if their 2-ball bet has a “draw” price listed or not. Most of the time, though, 2-ball bets are settled via push if tied.
Now, for 3-ball bets: Typically no separate “tie” option is offered (since that would mean a four-way market). Instead, if two or all three players tie for the best score, dead heat rules apply (more on this below). In other words, ties are handled by splitting the bet – you don’t usually get a push in a 3-ball unless your sportsbook has a very unusual policy. It’s important to understand this difference: a tie in a 3-player matchup doesn’t void the bet; it results in adjusted payouts by rule. - Strategy Angle: Many bettors find 2-ball matchups more straightforward, especially for beginners, because it’s simply one player vs another and you either win or push (in most cases) if they tie. With 3-ball, you’ve got an extra variable (that third player), and tie scenarios complicate things. However, 3-ball bets can offer more betting opportunities in early rounds and potentially more edge if you have insight on one player outperforming two others. There’s also more variance – a triple-bogey by the favorite could blow the whole thing open for the underdogs. So 3-ball requires a bit more finesse in handicapping, whereas 2-ball is a bit closer to betting on, say, a tennis match or boxing match between two sides.
In summary, 2-ball vs 3-ball comes down to simplicity and probability. A 2-ball is a coin flip with low payouts (and ties usually refunded), while a 3-ball is a mini free-for-all with better payouts but trickier outcomes. Next, we’ll delve into how ties in 3-ball bets are settled through dead heat rules, since that’s a crucial aspect to grasp.
How Ties Are Handled in 3-Ball Betting (Dead Heat Rules)
Ties happen in golf – and with three players in a group, there’s a decent chance two could shoot the same score. So what if there’s a tie for the best score in a 3-ball bet? This is where dead heat rules come into play. It might sound complicated, but let’s break it down:
- Dead Heat Rule Basics: Most sportsbooks apply a dead heat rule for 3-ball (and other multi-way) bets . In simple terms, if your golfer ties for the lowest score, your bet is not a full winner, but it’s not a full loss either – it’s split proportionally. The common approach: divide the stake by the number of tied players, and settle that portion as a win at the original odds, while the rest of your stake is lost . You don’t have to do this math yourself; the book will credit you accordingly, but it’s good to understand why you got paid what you did.
Let’s illustrate with an example: Say in a 3-ball, Player A and Player B tie for the lowest score, and Player C was a stroke behind them. If you had bet $100 on Player A: - Since two players tied for first, your $100 stake is split in half (two equal parts). Half of it ($50) is considered a winning bet on Player A, and the other $50 is effectively a loss (because that portion “went” against the other co-winner, Player B).
- If Player A’s odds were +200, the $50 winning portion is paid at +200. That means you’d get $50 * 2.0 = $100 profit from that half, plus the $50 stake back on that portion.
- So total return would be $150 on your $100 bet. Net profit: $50.
You can see you got something (since your player tied for first), but only half of the full win because he only “half-won” the bet, sharing top honors. - If All Three Tie: In the extremely rare case all three players shoot the exact same score, then all three tied for first. By the same rule, your stake would be divided by 3. Using the above scenario, $100 bet on a tied player at +200 would be split into three $33.33 stakes. One third wins at +200, the other two-thirds are losses. You’d win about $66.67 and get that one-third stake back (~$33.33), totaling roughly $100 return on $100 bet – effectively breaking even (in some cases a tiny loss once rounded) . Essentially, you’d neither win nor lose much – which makes sense, since everyone tied.
- Dead Heat Can Reduce Profits: It’s worth noting that with dead heats, your payout is reduced compared to a clear win, and in some cases you might even make less money than you originally bet if the odds were low. For instance, if you bet a favorite at -150 in a 3-ball and he ties for the win with one other, you’d actually lose a bit of money. One half of your stake loses, and the other half wins at -150 (which doesn’t even double your money)  . Action Network gives an example where a $15 bet at -150 that ties ends up returning $12.50, meaning a net -$2.50 despite technically “winning” the group in a tie . This happens because the odds weren’t high enough to cover the lost stake portion. So be aware: if you bet on a heavy favorite in a 3-ball, a tie can be almost as bad as a loss financially.
- Check Your Sportsbook’s Rules: While dead heat rules are standard, it’s a good idea to read the house rules for golf bets wherever you wager. A few books might handle things differently (for example, occasionally a book might state that ties in certain prop markets will result in some form of push or use an alternate payout formula). But overwhelmingly, for 3-ball bets, a tie for lowest score will trigger dead heat stakes . The sportsbook will do the math and credit your account with the adjusted winnings.
- No Tie Option in 3-Ball: Unlike some 2-ball bets, you generally won’t see an option to bet on “no winner” or “tie” in a 3-ball. The assumption is one of the three will win, and if it’s shared, dead heat rules apply. So you can’t directly bet on “two of them will tie” in these markets – you’re stuck picking a player and living with the dead heat outcome if it occurs.
In summary, ties in 3-ball betting don’t void the bet – they just split it. It’s a bit of a curveball for newcomers, but now you know: if your guy ties, expect roughly half (or a third) of the payout. Always consider this possibility, especially if two players seem evenly matched – there’s a non-zero chance they tie and you only get a partial win.
Next, let’s talk about some special variations of 3-ball bets, like tournament-long props and group betting, and how those differ from our single-round 3-balls.
Tournament-Long 3-Ball Props and Group Bets
While 3-ball betting usually refers to round-by-round matchups, some sportsbooks offer extended 3-ball or group wagers that span the entire tournament. These are sometimes listed as “Tournament Groups” or 72-hole matchups. Here’s what that means:
- Tournament 3-Ball Matchups: Instead of just betting on who wins a single round, you can bet on who will have the best 72-hole total score among a small group of players (often 2 or 3, but it could be more). This is effectively a tournament-long 3-ball. For example, you might see a prop like “Lowest score among Player A, Player B, Player C for the tournament.” This bet will be decided after the final round (or whenever all in the group are out). It’s similar to a round 3-ball, but stretched over all four rounds.
- Making the Cut Matters: With a full-tournament group bet, what if some players don’t even make it to the end? Sportsbooks have rules for that. Generally, if one player in the group misses the cut and the others make it, the contest continues between the remaining players through the weekend. However, if two players miss the cut and only one advances, that one player is typically declared the winner automatically. It doesn’t matter if he shoots 80-80 on Saturday and Sunday; as soon as he’s the only one left standing after Friday, your bet is usually graded as a win for that player. Essentially, surviving the cut when the others don’t = win by default. This is a key difference from a round bet – you could “win” on Friday evening without your player beating the others’ scores, simply because the others are sent packing.
- All Miss Cut: If all players in a tournament matchup miss the cut (say it was a 3-ball and all three imploded), generally the book would then determine the winner by who had the best score through the cut line (36 holes). So if Player A shot +5, B shot +8, C shot +12 over the first two rounds and none advanced, Player A would win the group by the lowest total among them after two rounds. (Rules may vary, but that’s the common approach – effectively, they still decide a winner based on available results.
- Withdrawals: If a golfer withdraws before the tournament or round starts, usually all bets involving them are voided/refunded . If a golfer withdraws or is disqualified during the tournament in a full-event group bet, how it’s handled depends on the sportsbook – some will count that as basically missing the cut (thus likely a loss for that player and if only one is left the other wins), others might void if the competition is no longer fair. Most often, though, for a three-player tournament matchup, if one WD’s during play, the bet just continues with the remaining two (effectively becoming a head-to-head). For a single-round 3-ball, if someone withdraws mid-round, many books will settle it as a 2-ball between the other two for that round  (with the withdrawing player considered out). It’s always smart to check the specific rule, but don’t assume you automatically win because someone quit – usually, at least one player has to beat the others’ scores.
- Group Bets (4+ players): Beyond 3-ball, you might encounter group betting with larger groups – four, five, or six golfers in a group. This is the same concept expanded: pick who among that group will have the best score (round or tournament). DraftKings, for instance, has offered “SixShooters,” grouping six players together. The odds in these can be even longer (since more players = lower win probability for each). The longest shots in a six-player group might be +800 or +1000, much shorter than an outright bet but longer than a 3-ball. Dead heat rules apply here too for ties (if two tie, half stake paid, etc.)  . Group bets straddle the line between matchups and outright futures – they’re easier to win than picking the one champion out of a 156-man field, but harder than a simple head-to-head. They can be fun for majors (books often group top contenders together in a “group A, B, C…” market).
- Outright Bets vs 3-Ball: To avoid confusion – an outright bet means picking the winner of the entire tournament. That’s a very different beast: you’re against the whole field and odds can be huge (+1000, +5000, +10000 for long shots). 3-ball bets, in contrast, only pit a few golfers against each other for a shorter span. The odds are much lower (since your guy only has to beat two others, not 150 others) . Outrights give the thrill of a big payoff but are hard to hit; 3-balls give a steadier, small-scale action that you can enjoy each day. You might use 3-ball bets to capitalize on your knowledge of how a certain player matches up against a couple of rivals, whereas outrights require predicting who will conquer an entire tournament.
To sum up, tournament-long 3-ball props and group bets widen the horizon beyond one round, but they follow similar principles. Just be mindful of cut rules and how missing players are handled. If you prefer quicker resolution, stick to round-by-round 3-balls. If you don’t mind a bet unfolding over a few days (and maybe ending early if your pick’s rivals miss the cut), the tournament matchups can be a fun way to keep interest through 72 holes.
Tips for Handicapping 3-Ball Golf Matchups
Betting on 3-ball matchups isn’t just about luck – a bit of smart analysis can give you an edge. Here are some handy tips and factors to consider when picking a 3-ball winner:
- Tee Times & Weather: All players in a 3-ball share the same tee time (they play together), but the overall conditions of that tee time matter. Early morning vs. afternoon can yield different scoring environments. Check the weather forecast for the day – if high winds or rain are expected to roll in later, a morning group might have an advantage with calmer conditions. Conversely, an early tee time on dewy greens might play softer/slower than later. Within your trio, consider if any player is known as a bad weather specialist or struggles in wind/rain. For example, a British golfer used to windy links might outplay others if the breeze kicks up. Also, note if the round could span changing conditions (e.g., late starters facing fading light or gustier winds). Small edges like handling wind or adjusting to soft conditions can decide who comes out on top.
- Course Fit & Playing Style: Every golf course is different. Some reward long drives and aggression, others favor accuracy and short game. Analyze how each of the three players’ games fit the course. If it’s a tight course with thick rough, the accurate driver in the group might have an edge over the wild bomber who could rack up bogeys. If it’s a 7,600-yard monster, the shorter hitter might struggle to keep up, giving the long-hitter an advantage, especially in a single round where one or two extra birdies can win it. Also consider grass types, green speeds, etc. – e.g., a player who putts well on fast Bermuda greens might gain strokes on a field where others aren’t as comfortable. Look for any player in the trio who has a track record at that course or similar setups. Horses for courses is a real thing: if one guy has finished top 10 at this event multiple times and the others historically miss the cut here, that’s a clue.
- Recent Form & Momentum: Golfers are humans, not robots – their form ebbs and flows. Check how each player has been performing in recent weeks. Is one of them coming off a string of great finishes or a win? Confidence can carry over into a strong start. On the flip side, someone who has missed three cuts in a row might be fighting their swing or low on confidence. In a one-round bet, a hot hand can stay hot (or a cold one might continue to struggle). That said, don’t rely solely on last week – even a struggling player can have a good day – but form is a significant indicator. If Player A has consistently been beating Players B and C in recent events, you have a reason to lean that way. Look at stats too: maybe one player’s been gaining a bunch of strokes on approach lately (usually a good sign), while another’s been wayward off the tee. Use recent stats and results to inform your pick.
- Motivation and Situation: Context in a tournament can influence a player’s mindset for the round. Is this Round 2 with one player on the cut line? A golfer who desperately needs a low round to make the cut might take more risks (which could lead to a brilliant 66 or a disastrous 76). Meanwhile, a player safely inside the cut might play more conservatively. If it’s Round 1, are any of these players particularly known for fast starts or slow starts? Some players are “Thursday warriors” who often begin tournaments strong, while others warm up as the week goes on. Additionally, consider intangible motivators: a veteran pairing with young up-and-comers might want to show who’s boss (or conversely, a nervy rookie paired with big names might feel pressure). Also, if it’s a lesser-known event, is a star in the group fully dialed in, or might they be treating it casually? Sometimes the underdogs have more to prove. These psychological and situational angles can tilt a one-round performance.
- Pairing Dynamics & Personalities: Group chemistry can matter. Golfers sometimes feed off each other or get rattled by playing partners. For example, if one player is extremely slow and deliberate, it might annoy certain faster-paced players in the group. If one player is very expressive (good or bad), it could affect the others’ focus. On the positive side, a friendly pairing where guys chat and stay loose could help a usually nervous player shoot better. If you happen to know any camaraderie or friction factors – like two players are frequent practice round buddies (good vibes), or maybe there’s a bit of rivalry – it’s worth considering. This is more speculative, but seasoned golf bettors occasionally use this angle. Comfort level can influence performance; a player at ease might perform closer to their best. Keep an eye on any news or anecdotes about how players get along.
- Aggressive vs. Consistent Play: In a one-round bet, the volatility of a player’s style is a factor. An aggressive birdie-seeker might either win the 3-ball by a landslide (if their gambles pay off) or shoot themselves out with big numbers. A steady, conservative player might not go super low but could card a solid 70 while the aggressive players have 67 or 77. Think about the scenario: if conditions are tough, the consistent grinder often prevails (par might be a good score, so avoiding mistakes wins the day). If the course is yielding birdies, the aggressive player who can capitalize might take it. Match the strategy to conditions – e.g., in brutal U.S. Open conditions, the guy who avoids doubles and makes a bunch of pars can win a 3-ball easily. In a birdie-fest, the one who can string 5–6 birdies has the edge. Also, consider the round context: on a Friday, if one player needs a low round to make the cut, they’ll play ultra-aggressive – high risk, high reward for your bet.
- Understand the Odds vs. Reality: Don’t be blindly swayed by the odds on the board. Odds reflect the book’s and the public’s expectations, but they’re not destiny. If the favorite is +120 and another guy is +250 in your 3-ball, ask why that might be. Sometimes big-name players are favored on reputation even if another player is in better form or a better course fit. Look for value: the sportsbook’s favorite isn’t always the smartest pick if the underdog has legitimate strengths in that matchup. On the flip side, don’t pick a +300 long shot just because of the payout – make sure you have a reason (e.g., maybe he’s a local course specialist or has quietly been playing well). The beautiful thing about 3-balls is it’s not always the obvious choice who wins – underdogs can and do win frequently in single rounds. Do a bit of homework and you might spot a live long shot.
- Manage Your Bankroll and Expectations: This is more general advice, but worth noting. 3-ball bets can be a lot of fun, especially on Thursday/Friday when there are dozens of groups to choose from. It’s easy to get carried away betting many matchups because there’s always some angle to play. Remember that there’s randomness in golf – even the best analysis can be upended by one freakish hole (your guy finds water twice, etc.). So, bet responsibly. You might treat 3-balls as smaller wagers for entertainment or calculated punts where you see a strong edge. Also, be prepared for variance: you can go 3-0 one day and 0-3 the next. Don’t chase losses by lumping more money trying to hit a miracle in the afternoon wave. As a casual bettor, keep it fun – the goal is to enhance your viewing of the round, and hopefully profit a bit if your read was right.
By keeping these factors in mind – from weather to course fit to player mindsets – you’ll improve your odds of picking the winner in a 3-ball matchup. Handicapping golf is part science, part art; the more information you consider, the better your intuition gets.
Final Thoughts: Is 3-Ball Betting Right for You?
For many golf fans, 3-ball bets offer a perfect middle ground between betting outrights and doing nothing at all. They give you action in every round, and you only need to beat two other golfers, not the entire field. It’s an engaging way to follow a tournament: every birdie or bogey in that group can flip the bet, making even a middling Thursday group feel like a high-stakes showdown.
Casual bettors will appreciate the simplicity – you’re just cheering for “your guy” in a group of three – but should also be aware of the quirks:
- Don’t forget about the dead heat rule; it can surprise you if you don’t realize a tied win pays out less. Always check those results with that in mind.
- Recognize that books take a bigger cut on these bets, so consistently beating 3-balls is a challenge. That’s why it pays to be selective and look for genuine value spots rather than betting on every single group.
- If you’re brand new to golf betting, you might start with a few 2-ball bets to get your feet wet (since they’re a tad easier to win and understand). But once you’re comfortable, 3-balls are a fun next step – and often the payouts are better for essentially the same research effort.
In the end, 3-ball betting in golf is about finding those small edges in a trio of players. It rewards the fan who knows, say, that Golfer X thrives in the morning, Golfer Y’s putter is hot this month, or Golfer Z always struggles on links courses. Using the tips and insights we’ve covered, you can make more informed 3-ball picks and enjoy the added excitement they bring to each round.
So next time you see a PGA Tour event grouping you recognize, you might consider throwing a few bucks on a 3-ball bet and test your prediction skills. It’s you versus the sportsbook (and two other golfers) – may the best bet win!
And as always, enjoy the 19th hole responsibly.