PINEHURST, N.C. — The U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 was not just about the golf; it was also about the growing trend of sports betting at golf tournaments. This year, for the first time, spectators in a state with legal sports betting were able to place wagers on the tournament, adding a new level of excitement and challenge to the event. Gamblers in the gallery added to the atmosphere by placing bets on various aspects of the tournament, from who would win to the number of birdies a player would get per day.
One notable incident involved Bryson DeChambeau, who faced a heckler wagering on DeChambeau to shoot over 70.5, only for DeChambeau to save par and eventually win his second U.S. Open. Throughout the tournament, fans could be heard shouting out their bets and opinions, creating a unique environment for the players on the course.
As the popularity of golf gambling and daily fantasy contests continues to grow, more money is being wagered on golf tournaments than ever before. Players like Collin Morikawa have noticed the increase in fan engagement through betting, with some fans even calling out bets to cheer on their favorite players. However, not all interactions between fans and players are positive, as some players have received negative messages from gamblers on social media.
Gamblers are not just relying on luck when placing bets on golf tournaments; many are using predictive models to analyze player tendencies, course conditions, and other factors to gain an edge. This data-driven approach has made it more challenging to beat bookmakers, as golf data becomes more readily available.
While some fans enjoy the thrill of live betting on the course, restrictions from sportsbooks and the challenge of beating bookmakers have made it a difficult endeavor. Despite the potential for fan interference and concerns about the impact of widespread gambling on the spectator experience, tournament organizers have not seen a significant negative impact so far.
Overall, the intersection of sports betting and golf tournaments adds a new dynamic to the game, providing fans with an opportunity to engage more deeply with the sport and players. Whether it’s cheering on a favorite player or placing a bet on the outcome, golf fans are finding new ways to interact with the game they love.