Here are the best golf apps we highly recommend downloading to help you improve your game.
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Once upon a time, golfers used to use golf instruction books to improve their game. But the digital world has changed that. These days, the best golf apps are found on every golfer’s smartphone, so you practically have a coach, caddie, and scorekeeper in your pocket at all times.
The smartphone is quickly turning into a necessary golf accessory. If you aren’t already using it to get ahead in your game, you’re missing out! The good news is it’s as easy as downloading the app you want and getting started with it.
In no particular order, here are the best golf apps to have in your pocket, whether you’re training or playing a competitive round.
Best Golf Apps to You Can Try
18Birdies
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive app that can do pretty much everything you want it to, then 18Birdies is the one to go for. Even the free version is packed with information and features, although serious golfers should definitely opt for the premium version.
In the free version, you’ll be able to track every shot on the course, get accurate distances using the GPS rangefinder, find out information on greens in regulation, par averages, and penalties, and share your score on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter after your round.
The premium version offers quite a bit more data, so it’s the better choice for those who like having some insight into their game. As well as the information that the free version offers, you’ll get Caddy+, which includes:
- Personalized golf club recommendations
- Live coaching
- AI swing coaching
- Advanced GPS features
- Strokes gained
- Advanced course data
- Fun side games
- Rewards
- Discount access
Hole19
One of the things we love most about the Hole19 app is that you don’t even need your phone! It syncs up to your watch—provided you have iOS 14 or Android 5.0 Lollipop or above. This is one of our favourite and best golf apps.
This is a fantastic choice for golfers who don’t like carrying their phones around while they do their thing on the course. You’ll be able to keep your score and track your shots right on your wrist. You do need to pay for the premium version in order to use this feature, but it’s worth it when you can just leave your phone in your golf bag!
The free version offers plenty of value, from keeping score to storing club-by-club distances. Live Leaderboard is a nice feature that allows you to compete against your friends in real-time!
Try out a 14-day free trial of premium if you want more data. Here, you’ll get club recommendations, shot-by-shot tracking, premium maps, note-taking, a handicap calculator & simulator, and even a multiplayer mode where you can track more than one person’s score at a time.
Another thing we really like is that you can choose from 3 different premium versions—Premium Pro, Premium Lite, and Premium Lite Birdie. Easy to find something to suit your budget!
Bushnell Golf Mobile
Bushnell makes rangefinders, and they’ve expanded into the app market. It’s free for both Apple and Android users, and it has some nice features that extend past just golf.
Use your phone to find GPS distances and see the 3D layouts of each hole. There’s information on over 38,000 courses globally, so no matter where you are, this should come in handy!
Track your score as well and compare scores to pick up on trends in your performance. You can also measure swing speed.
If you run or cycle outside of playing golf, you’ll be pleased to know that the app tracks your step count, pace, average speed, and distance. It’s nothing as fancy as some of the other best golf apps, but it’s perfect for those who don’t need all the bells and whistles.
V1 Sports Golf Swing Analyzer
Every golfer should have a golf swing analyzer, and the V1 Golf app is an excellent option. Even the free version offers a ton of value and allows you to record your own swing, view it in slow-motion, or go frame-by-frame to spot small issues. You can even measure angles and make notes on the video, making it one of the best golf apps.
If that’s not enough, you can upgrade to the pro version for just $9.99 a month or $59.99 a year. With the upgrade, you’ll be able to compare two videos side by side, overlay videos, and get access to swing drills.
And if you find that the app isn’t helping you as much as you’d hoped and you need the help of a coach, you can connect with nearby coaches directly through the app.
If you already have a coach, it doesn’t mean the app is worthless. You can video your swing on your own and share the clips with your coach, who can then make notes and share them with you to work on.
Or, your coach can video your swing and the two of you can sit down together and work it out. The options are many, and it’s the closest app to a home simulator that you’ll find!
Imagine Golf
Many golfers work so hard on getting their swing right and improving their handicap that they forget about another important aspect of the game—the mental side of things!
Imagine Golf aims to combat that. Instead of being just another app to analyze your swing, keep your score, or track your data, Imagine Golf is all about building up your mental strength. This is easily one of the best golf apps you can try.
With this app on your phone, you’ll start working on the less tangible aspects of your game. Cultivating an effective pre-shot routine, learning to keep your focus, visualizing each shot before it happens, and confidence-building are just a few of the things you can expect to improve with this app. If you’re looking to take a break from golf apps and want to experience the thrill of witnessing the Masters tournament in person, consider exploring affordable Masters tickets for an unforgettable golfing experience.
You’ll get a new 3-minute audio bite every day, filled with handy golfing information taken directly from the greats. It’s easy to fit into your day every day and designed to inspire and motivate you to take your game to new heights.
The free trial offers hundreds of these “snackable” audio clips. If you want to access everything inside the app, sign up for a membership. If your mental game needs some TLC, this app is worth the download.
Best Golf Apps That Can Help You Improve Your Game
Have you found the best golf app on the list that could help you improve your game? Let us know in the comments.
About the Author
Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer and businessman. When he’s not on the course working on his own game or mentoring young golfers, he’s researching and writing value-packed articles for his own website, Golf Influence.