This is a guest post by PoolGenius, whose subscribers report winning sports pools more than 3x as often as expected. For a limited time, new users can try out their new golf one and done picks product for free.
Golf one and done pools provide a fun and competitive experience for golf fans of all levels to enjoy the PGA Tour season. These pools focus on thoughtful planning and execution, encouraging players to balance short-term gains with long-term strategy. By understanding the core principles of this format and applying a few key strategies, you can significantly enhance your odds of winning.
Understanding the one and done format
A golf one and done pool is more of a marathon than a sprint.
Participants pick one golfer for each tournament in the season, but each golfer can only be chosen once. Scoring is usually determined by the prize money earned by your selected golfers, with higher earnings boosting your position in the pool standings.
This format combines strategy, patience, and a little bit of luck. While picking a winner is the ultimate goal, even strong performances from your golfers in high-purse tournaments can keep you in contention.
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Golf one and done strategy
Regardless of your pool’s specific format, here are five sure-fire strategies to help boost your chances at winning.
1. Prioritize top-tier tournaments
One of the most critical decisions in a golf one and done pool is determining when to use your top golfers. Not all tournaments are created equal. Some events, like the Majors, The Players Championship, and PGA Tour “Signature Events,” feature significantly higher prize purses. These tournaments can be game-changers, as winning a high-purse event often earns more than double the winnings of smaller tournaments.
For example, in 2024, Scottie Scheffler earned $4.5 million by winning The Players Championship, while Peter Malnati took home $1.5 million the following week as the Valspar Championship winner. Picking a top golfer for a high-purse event ensures you maximize their value when they’re most likely to make a difference in the standings.
It can be tempting to pick a star player in a smaller event where they are heavily favored to win. However, this often results in missed opportunities. If you “burn” a top-tier golfer in a low-purse tournament, you’re essentially capping their upside. Even a third-place finish in a high-purse event could earn more than a win in a smaller tournament.
Instead, save your best golfers for events with the highest stakes and the largest payouts, giving you the best chance to make a leap in the standings.
2. Adapt based on pool rules
Every golf one and done pool is unique, so it’s essential to understand the specific rules of your contest. Some pools include bonus points for Majors or allow for substitutions if a golfer withdraws. Others may feature mid-season segments with their own prize structures. These nuances can influence your overall strategy and help you identify opportunities to gain an edge over your competition.
For instance, if your pool offers segment prizes, you may want to use top golfers strategically within those segments to maximize your chances of securing a payout.
3. Use data to make informed picks
Golf is inherently unpredictable, with even the best players winning only a small percentage of the time. Just like on the course when the smallest of margins determine outcomes, the same holds true in one and done pools. Every edge matters.
To improve your odds, rely on data-driven insights when making your picks. Tools like PoolGenius analyze factors such as strokes gained, betting odds, and course history to identify the best options for each tournament. By leveraging this information, you can make smarter decisions and reduce the impact of luck on your results.
4. Adjust based on standings
As the season progresses, your position in the standings may influence your strategy. If you’re leading, focusing on top players with your picks can help solidify your advantage, regardless of their popularity. Conversely, if you’re trailing, taking calculated risks by selecting less popular golfers could provide opportunities to climb the leaderboard.
This approach requires a keen understanding of pick trends and pool dynamics, which can often only be identified from tools like PoolGenius that track pick popularity or analyze historical data. And of course, your own pool rules and format may impact when or how often you’re allowed to swap picks.
5. Stay engaged throughout the season
One of the simplest yet most overlooked strategies in golf one and done pools is consistency. Again, this is a marathon, not a sprint.
In every contest, a significant percentage of participants fail to submit picks multiple times a season, putting themselves at a disadvantage. You can capitalize on these missteps by staying active and engaged each week and keep yourself in contention.
Developing a routine, such as setting calendar reminders or leveraging tools like PoolGenius to track your picks, can ensure you never miss a week. PoolGenius Subscribers also benefit from weekly updates, including tournament analysis and reminders to submit picks, helping you stay organized and focused. In a long-format contest like this, persistence often pays off.
The PoolGenius advantage: golf one and done picks
Winning a golf one and done pool requires a mix of strategy, preparation, and adaptability. By focusing on top-tier tournaments, avoiding common pitfalls, and leveraging data-driven tools, you can position yourself for success. Remember, the PGA season is long, and every pick matters—so plan carefully, stay consistent, and embrace the journey.
Our golf one and done picks product provides valuable insights into player popularity, allowing you to make more informed decisions about which golfers to target and which to fade.
PoolGenius golf one and done picks helps you gain an edge:
- Compare key stats like strokes gained ratings, golfer rankings, betting odds, and course history for every golfer in each tournament field.
- Access customized weekly pick grades that provide a ranked shortlist of golfers to consider, tailored to the players you’ve already selected and the tournaments remaining in your pool.
- Plan ahead with a high-level strategy for saving top golfers for critical future tournament picks.
- Track your picks and winnings across all your PGA one and done pool entries for the season.
- Discover even more features designed to streamline your strategy and enhance your results.
Best of all, for a limited time, new site users can try out the product for free. Check it out today to gain an edge in your one and done Pool!
