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Best Apple Watch Golf Apps and GPS for 2023

zepp-golf-app

Last Updated: June 26, 2023

 

Key takeaway:

  • Using golf apps on an Apple Watch provides several benefits, including access to swing data, green reading assistance, budget management, GPS tracking, fantasy sports betting, and score tracking.
  • Golf apps can be categorized into mutually exclusive categories such as swing data apps, green reading apps, budget apps, GPS apps, fantasy sports betting apps, and score tracking apps.
  • When choosing the right golf app, it is important to consider factors such as the features offered, user reviews and ratings, compatibility with the Apple Watch, pricing, and personal preferences.

 

Golfers need to know how far they are from their objective in order to shoot lower scores and drop their handicaps. The market is red hot for GPS watches and rangefinders, but if you already have an Apple Watch you may not need to purchase an additional golf watch or rangefinder. There are several golf apps for the Apple Watch that include GPS, scoring, and many more advanced statistics that are accessible on more expensive golf watches. Unleash your potential on the course as we explore the advantages of harnessing the power of Apple Watch golf apps

Benefits of using golf apps on Apple Watch

Golf apps on Apple Watch are getting increasingly popular. They give players a convenient and portable way to monitor and analyze their performance. This makes it easier to improve skills and have more fun on the course.

Arccos Caddie helps track swing data like club speed, face angle, and path. This helps golfers find out which parts of their game need attention.

GolfLogix provides green reading assistance. It gives precise distances to hazards and maps of the green. This aids in strategic shots and a greater chance of sinking putts.

SwingU is an affordable option. Despite this, it still has GPS tracking and stat tracking capabilities. This helps players see how they are improving over time.

Golfshot stands out with its GPS. It shows distances from the player’s position to key targets, meaning more accurate shots.

Chirp Golf brings a unique twist. It has a fantasy sports betting feature. Players can place virtual bets on outcomes, which adds some fun.

VPAR makes score tracking simpler. It offers digital scorecards, so there’s no need for pen and paper. Additionally, it has live leaderboards to motivate during competitive rounds.

Finally, these apps come in different pricing structures. Some require an upfront fee, while others have subscription-based or free models. When picking one, consider functionality, GPS data, and cost.

In summation, golf apps on Apple Watch offer plenty of benefits. They help with swing mechanics, green reading, and tracking scores. These apps are a great tool for golfers wanting to up their game.

Categorization of Golf Apps

Organizing the various golf apps and GPS options available for the Apple Watch into mutually exclusive categories can help golfers make better decisions. By categorizing these apps, we can simplify the selection process, ensuring that golfers find the tools that align with their specific needs and preferences. With each sub-section exploring a different category, we’ll uncover the diverse functionalities and advantages offered by these distinct types of golf apps.

Mutually Exclusive Categories

Golf apps on Apple Watch can be categorized into distinct, mutually exclusive groups. Each group has its own set of features and benefits. For example, Swing Data Apps like Arccos Caddie focus on detailed features. Green Reading Apps such as GolfLogix offer innovative features for the greens. Budget Apps like SwingU are known for their affordability. And, GPS Apps like Golfshot are praised for their advanced GPS capabilities.

Moreover, two more categories have been introduced – Fantasy Sports Betting Apps and Score Tracking Apps. Chirp Golf is highlighted for its betting features. VPAR is showcased for its score-tracking capabilities.

When selecting a golf app, users must consider factors like functionality, GPS course data, user interface, cost, and compatibility. It’s important to find an app that meets their needs and enhances their golf experience.

Pro Tip: Users can try free versions or trial periods before making a final decision.

Swing Data Apps

Swing Data Apps, like Arccos Caddie, can give your golf game a boost! With real-time data collection, you can get instant feedback and analysis on your swing metrics. This allows you to make changes and improve your technique right away.

Performance tracking is also a great perk. You can monitor your progress over time and identify areas where you can improve. Setting goals and achieving them is easier than ever before.

Arccos Caddie stands out with its personalized club recommendations. Based on your swing data, the app can suggest clubs that are best suited for you. Get a head start on the competition!

For those who want more sophisticated insights, tour-level analytics are available. These analytics are normally used by professional golfers and can tell you a lot about your swing performance. With this information, you can customize your technique and get better results.

Plus, you can sync your swing data with other devices like smartphones and tablets. This makes it easy to review your data anytime, anywhere. And with the user-friendly interface and Apple Watch compatibility, accessing and analyzing your data is a breeze.

Don’t miss out on the chance to level up your golf game with Swing Data Apps. Take advantage of the instant feedback, personalized recommendations, and in-depth analysis they offer. Start using a Swing Data App now and experience a new level of excellence on the course. Unlock your full potential – give your golf game the green light!

Green Reading Apps

GolfLogix offers a range of features for analyzing greens. But, there are other green reading apps available for Apple Watch users. These apps use techniques and technologies to help golfers read greens accurately.

High-res imagery and aerial photography give a bird’s-eye view of the course, including the greens. Augmented reality technology overlays info onto the user’s view of the green. Real-time guidance on slopes, breaks, and distances is provided.

The apps also provide real-time data on green speeds. Advanced sensors and machine learning algorithms measure the speed of green during gameplay. Golfers can adjust their putting technique based on how fast or slow a green is playing that day. With the help of the Apple Watch, real-time data can be easily accessed. Golfers can make informed decisions about how best to approach each putt based on current course conditions.

Budget Apps

SwingU is an awesome budget golf app for the Apple Watch. It offers amazing features at a pocket-friendly price, making it a top pick for golfers watching their wallet.

Here are some of the key features of SwingU:

  • Cost-effective: Golfers get access to various features without breaking the bank.
  • Score tracking: Users can record scores and gain insights into their performance.
  • GPS course data: Access accurate GPS course data, including yardages and hole layouts.
  • Swing analysis tools: Identify and improve swing mechanics with this budget app.
  • Training resources: Get instructional videos and tips from pro instructors.

Plus, SwingU’s user-friendly interface and Apple Watch compatibility make it even more special.

For golfers looking for an affordable way to bring their game up, SwingU is the answer. It provides essential features like score tracking, GPS course data, swing analysis tools, and instructional resources – all at a great price.

SwingU proves that budget apps can provide excellent value for improving golfing performance.

GPS Apps

GPS apps like Golfshot offer a lot of helpful features for golfers. Precise distance measurements, detailed hole maps, and aerial views of each course are all included. This gives players a better understanding of the layout, so they can strategize better. Plus, real-time tracking of players’ positions is possible.

Another great feature is Apple Watch integration. Golfers can get access to all the info right on their wrist. Distances, progress and decisions can all be quickly viewed with just a glance. This integration makes the app even more user-friendly and practical.

Fantasy Sports Betting Apps

Chirp Golf is one of the most notable Fantasy Sports Betting Apps. It offers innovative features for users to make their own virtual golf tournaments, compete with friends or other players, and bet in real-time on different aspects of the game.

With Chirp Golf, users can select players, create teams, and join virtual competitions that mirror real-world golf tournaments. This provides an element of excitement and engagement as they follow their chosen players and teams.

Users can also bet on multiple outcomes such as the performance of a specific player, the overall winner of a tournament, or even smaller details like birdies or eagles scored. The app accurately tracks these wagers and determines winnings.

Moreover, Fantasy Sports Betting Apps like Chirp Golf have leaderboards and ranking systems to compare performances with other players. This is a great way to make the experience more competitive and encourage users to sharpen their betting strategies.

Score Tracking Apps such as VPAR add an extra dose of fun and ease to keeping score.

In conclusion, Fantasy Sports Betting Apps such as Chirp Golf provide golf lovers with a unique way to increase their enjoyment of the sport. With features like personalized tournaments, live event integration, and real-time betting options, these apps create an exciting experience for users seeking a higher level of engagement in golf.

Score Tracking Apps

Score-tracking apps are a great aid for golfers aiming to monitor and boost their outcomes on the greens. These apps supply intricate stats and analysis of every round, allowing players to track their scores, fairways hit, greens in regulation, and other vital metrics. With score-tracking apps, golfers can gain crucial insights into their advantages and shortcomings, helping them to make data-driven decisions to upgrade their overall game.

  • Score-tracking apps have a user-friendly interface that lets golfers simply enter their scores and monitor their development over time. Players can easily record each shot with just a few clicks on their Apple Watch and keep an all-inclusive record of their performance.
  • These apps have advanced analytics that gives golfers a deeper understanding of their game. They can assess statistical trends, track improvements over time, and contrast their performance against previous rounds or other golfers.
  • In addition, to score tracking, these apps usually contain features such as handicap calculation, which permits players to accurately determine their skill level and compete fairly with others.
  • Some score-tracking apps even have social features that let golfers share their scores and successes with friends or fellow players. This adds a competitive element and creates a feeling of community among users.
  • Furthermore, these apps can be customized to suit individual tastes and playing styles. Golfers can set objectives for themselves, make personalized scorecards, or even receive personal suggestions based on their historical data.

In a nutshell, score-tracking apps give golfers with valuable resources for observing and enhancing their game. By providing comprehensive stats, advanced analytics, social features, and customization options, these apps empower golfers to take control of their performance and strive for continuous improvement. Whether you are a novice golfer looking to track your progress or an experienced player striving for higher achievements on the course, score tracking apps on Apple Watch can be an invaluable asset.

Considerations When Choosing the Right Golf App

When selecting an app for your Apple Watch, there are certain points to keep in mind:

  1. Compatibility: Make sure the app is compatible with your Apple Watch model and OS version. Not all apps are available for all devices.
  2. Features: Think about the features you need. Different apps offer different capabilities, like GPS tracking, scorekeeping, shot analysis, and rangefinder. Choose an app with the features you want.
  3. User Interface: Pick an app with a simple, user-friendly interface for easy navigation during a round of golf. Cluttered or confusing interfaces are no good.
  4. Accuracy: Look for apps with a good reputation for reliable, precise info. Read reviews and feedback to assess the accuracy of the GPS tracking and rangefinder features.
  5. Battery Life: Check if the app drains the battery quickly. Choose an app with optimized battery usage for a full round of golf.
  6. Unique Features: Some apps offer unique features or partnerships with golf courses. Do your research and explore different options.

Conclusion

The Best Apple Watch Golf Apps are packed with features that make them a must-have for golfers. GPS data, interactive maps, and shot tracking all help improve performance. Swing metrics and detailed stats give valuable insights. Plus, they sync with other devices and platforms, making them even more convenient. To get the most out of these apps, take time to explore and customize. You’ll be sure to see improved performance on the course.

 

Facts about Best Apple Watch Golf Apps and GPS:

  • ✅ The Arccos Caddie app is an AI-powered platform that tracks shots, provides club averages, and offers game insights. It also includes a GPS rangefinder and caddie advice. (Source: Team Research)
  • ✅ The 18Birdies app tracks rounds and offers a 3D flyover of courses. It provides yardages to the green, real-time club recommendations, and on-device scoring with the premium version. (Source: Team Research)
  • ✅ Golfshot is a comprehensive app that offers auto shot tracking, GPS distances, scoring, statistics, course flyovers, and club recommendations. It features a one-time purchase price for all its features. (Source: Team Research)
  • ✅ Hole19 is an all-in-one app for scorekeeping, yardages, stats, and course previews. It displays accurate yardages to the front, middle, and back of the green and allows users to score and measure shot distances. (Source: Team Research)
  • ✅ The Apple Watch can be used as a GPS golf watch with the help of various golf apps. The apps have improved significantly in terms of speed and stability. (Source: Wareable)

FAQs about Best Apple Watch Golf Apps And Gps

What are the best Apple Watch golf apps and GPS options available?

Some of the best Apple Watch golf apps and GPS options include Arccos Caddie, GolfLogix, SwingU, Golfshot, Chirp Golf, and VPAR. These apps offer features such as shot tracking, GPS distances, scorekeeping, virtual caddie recommendations, and more.

Are specialized golf devices better than Apple Watch golf apps?

Specialized golf devices may offer more advanced features and a seamless experience, but Apple Watch golf apps provide a convenient and affordable option for golfers. The apps have improved over time and offer features comparable to dedicated golf devices.

Can I track my golf stats and rounds with Apple Watch golf apps?

Yes, many Apple Watch golf apps offer stat tracking and round history. You can track metrics such as greens in regulation, fairways hit, putts per round, estimated handicap, club distances, and more. These features help you analyze your game and identify areas for improvement.

Do Apple Watch golf apps offer GPS distances and rangefinder functionality?

Yes, Apple Watch golf apps provide GPS distances to the green, hazards, and targets on thousands of courses worldwide. Some apps also offer 3D color maps, flyovers, and interactive course layouts to help you navigate the course effectively.

Are Apple Watch golf apps compatible with smartphones?

Yes, Apple Watch golf apps are designed to work seamlessly with smartphones. You can download the apps from the Apple Store and sync them with your iPhone for a comprehensive golfing experience.

Are Apple Watch golf apps free or do they require a subscription?

Apple Watch golf apps offer both free and premium options. Some apps have in-app purchases or subscription fees for advanced features, while others provide a comprehensive experience for free. It depends on the specific app and the features you require.

 

Apple Watch Golf Apps: Comparison

Do you plan to purchase an Apple Watch or already own one of these smart devices and play golf?

If the answer is yes and you haven’t yet used your Apple Watch on a golf course, you are seriously missing out.

Here are some conclusions.

  • Best Free Apple Watch GPS Apps: 18Birdies, Swing by Swing Golf, and Golfshot are all great free options. The two most crucial features, GPS distances and scoring, are available for free on all of them. Try them all out and see which one you like most – after all, they’re all free to use.
  • Best App for Keeping Score on an Apple Watch: This is a difficult category to judge because many people excel at keeping score. This is something I need to give to 18Birdies. You can keep score with strokes, number of putts, chips, GIRs, and fairways hit in their free edition. You can access advanced information from scoring, including strokes gained analysis, if you upgrade to premium.

Here are seven of the best golf apps to use on your Apple Watch.

I put together a chart to easily compare features across the different Apple Watch apps.

  Free Features Premium Features Premium Pricing
Hole19

*GPS

* GPS

 * Auto-change holes

 * Shot Distance Tracking

 * Scoring

* Lite: $2.99/mo.

* Pro: $7.49/mo. (1 week     trial)

* Pro: $49.99/year (2 week   trial)

Swing by Swing Golf

*GPS

*Scoring

*HealthKit features 

*Shot Distance Tracking

 *Club recommendations

 *”zoom-in” distances

*Premium: $14.99/ mo

* Premium: $99.99/ yr

Golfshot

*GPS

*Scoring

*Auto Shot Tracking

*Golfscape AR

*Pro Features: $8.99/ mo   or $49.99 /yr

Golfplan: $2.99 /mo or   $19.99/ yr

Tag Heuer Golf

None

* GPS

* Interactive 2D course maps

* Scoring + distance tracking

* $39.99/yr, (1 week trial

* $6.99/mo. (3 day trial)

18Birdies

* GPS

 * Scoring

 * Auto-change   hole

* Plays-like distances

 * Club recommendations

 * Shot distance tracking

 * Strokes gained analysis

* $99.99/yr, (2 week trial)

 * $9.99/mo., (1 week trial)

 * $4.99/week

Zepp Golf

*Swing Analyzer

*Scoring

*Smart Coach 

Free

Free

Golf Swing Analyser

*Auto track

*GPS

*Auto hole switching

*Features are free on iphone but not   on apple watch

*Monthly subscription for   $4.99/ mo

*Yearly subscription for   $18.99/ yr

Best Golf Apps for the Apple Watch

1. Hole19 Golf GPS and Scoring app

hole-19-app

Yet another golf GPS and scoring system that can be used on both your Smartphone and smartwatch. It should by now be apparent that most golf apps for smart devices are built for GPS and scoring.

Hole19 is a free app that includes: GPS tracking, digital scorecard, golf statistics tracking, and the ability to plan and book rounds on the app, as well as being able to share your round and statistics with other friends using the Hole19 golf app.

A premium version is available that includes additional features such as distance tracking and measuring that then recommends what club to use per distance. It also includes enhanced statistics recording and improved visuals of each hole along with auto-updating as you move to the next hole.

This app is known to be one of the best when it comes to minimize battery usage on both iPhone and Apple Watch.

2. Swing by Swing Golf GPS

swing-by-swing-app

This free golf GPS system was initially built for use on a smartphone but has been further developed to offer smartwatch features. Using Google Maps as a basis the app gives you accurate distances for almost every known golf course in the world with additional features such as a scorecard recorder, round stats, and distance tracking for each iron.

There is a premium version that can be purchased on a month-to-month or annual basis that provides even more features, however, the free version is sufficient enough for any avid golfer.

The Apple Watch version offers hole-by-hole distance to greens using GPS, hole-by-hole scoring, stat tracking, and club tracking to offer advice on what club to hit for the current distance to the green.

For a free app, this is certainly one to try and with over four million users worldwide it shows just how popular this system is.

3. Golfshot: Golf GPS and scorecard

golfshot-app

Golfshot is another GPS app that offers distance tracking and scoring abilities on your smartphone and smartwatch, with a host of other features. Again this app is built to operate fully on a smartphone, however, the smartwatch features are some of the most impressive of all the golf apps.

On the Apple Watch app you get the normal distance to the green, but this app even features overhead views of the hole and green with distances to front, middle and back of the putting surface. Other features include a score recorder per hole, as well as distances to other hazards on each hole and suggestions on what club to use based on previous shots with each club.

Upgrading to the premium version of Golfshot carries a cost, but includes the ability to book rounds on certain courses using ApplePay and other additional features that make this premium payment worth every cent.

4. Tag Heuer Golf

The 5 Best Apple Watch Golf Apps of 2021

What I enjoy about TAG Heuer is how easy it is to utilize the software on your watch. They also provide a hole preview on the watch itself. The disadvantage is that TAG Heuer does not offer a free version. The premium version, however, is one of the more affordable solutions, costing only $39.99 per year.

Premium Features: ($39.99/yr, 1 week trial OR $6.99/mo., 3 day trial)

      • GPS distances to greens and hazards
      • Interactive 2D course maps: Scroll with watch digital crown to get an overview of the hole and see distances to green and hazards
      • Scoring for up to 4 players (strokes and # of putts)
      • Shot distance tracking

Download the TAG Heuer Golf app here.

5. 18birdies

Golf GPS App, Scorecard, Shot Tracking & More | 18Birdies

18Birdies is a game with a lot of features. They provide the most comprehensive free version, which includes GPS, scoring, and automatic hole swapping. The strokes gained analysis and grading are second to none.

Free Features:

      • GPS distances
      • Scoring (penalty shots, fairways hit, GIR, # of putts, chips and sand shots)
      • Auto-switching holes

Premium Features: ($99.99/yr, 2 week trial OR $9.99/mo., 1 week trial OR $4.99/week)

      • Personalized plays like distances and club recommendations based on elevation, temperature and humitity
      • Shot distance tracking
      • Strokes gained analysis

Download the 18Birdies app here.

6. Zepp Golf

zepp-golf-app

This innovative app works in conjunction with or without a Zepp Sensor which is attached to the back of your glove and measures your golf swing in 3D. The information provided includes your swing path, swing plane, tempo and a whole other host of game enhancing stats to help you improve your swing.

Without the sensor and using just the free Zepp app you get a host of features that include: Score capture and GPS tracking on your smartphone, video and image capture, Smart coaching with certain top tour professionals and golf coaches, professional swing library and access to the Zepp social community system.

The Apple Watch features include basic real-time swing metrics, the ability to track your swing and tempo on the range or golf course and synchronisation of your rounds and practice sessions with the Apple Health App.

The Zepp Sensor and App is a great package to own for golf fanatics wanting to improve their game and works seamlessly with your smart devices to enhance your enjoyment of golf.

7. Golf Swing Analyser by TrackMyGolf

trackmygolf-app

This nifty app uses your Apple Watch to track your golf swing and provide information that will help you improve your game and make your swing more consistent.

The app on your Apple Watch records your swing and provides information such as: golf swing power and tempo, a 3D visual of your swing path and plane, the ability to rotate the view so you can see your swing from a variety of angles, data recording in the cloud and a host of other features.

It is a free app, but also has in-app purchases to further enhance your golfing experience. The best part is you do not need to buy any additional hardware to operate the app. You just need a smartphone and smart watch.

About the author  Jason Mylroie

Been hooked on golf since I was 12 and lived on a golf estate while at school. Began to work in Golf Industry during university and spent a year on the Sunshine Tour as a media operator. Subsequently became deputy editor of Compleat Golfer in South Africa for 5 years, specializing in equipment and travel reviews. After that I became a consultant to a major golf chain, testing and reviewing all equipment. Also a Callaway custom fitter and play off a 2 handicap when actually getting the chance to play!

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