For golf enthusiasts who own an Apple Watch, having access to the best golf apps is essential to elevate your game on the greens.

Whether you’re looking for real-time yardage information, swing analysis, or score tracking, the right golf app can be your trusted companion on the course.

Are you in search of accurate GPS data, detailed course maps, or swing coaching? In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the 8 best golf apps for Apple Watch, each catering to different aspects of your golfing needs.

Best Golf Apps for Apple Watch: Master the Greens with 8 Choices

1. Golfshot: Golf GPS + Watch App

Golfshot is a comprehensive golf GPS app used by over 4 million golfers worldwide. It’s designed to enhance the golfing experience by providing real-time distances to greens, hazards, and targets on over 47,000 courses globally. The app integrates Auto Shot Tracking (AST) powered by Apple Watch and machine learning, offering a unique feature – Auto Strokes Gained.

Main Features:

• Real-time GPS distances to greens, hazards, and targets.
• Auto Shot Tracking and Swing ID on Apple Watch.
• Strokes Gained analysis in four categories: Tee Shots, Approach Shots, Short Game, and Putting.
• Score tracking for Stroke Play and Stableford.
• 3D video previews of entire courses.
• Handicap Index tracking through Golfshot.
• GolfNow tee times booking integration.
• Apple Watch compatibility for on-course use.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Extensive course coverage, advanced features like Auto Strokes Gained, integration with Apple Watch.
• Cons: Some advanced features and full functionality require a paid subscription.

Best For: Golfers of all skill levels looking for a comprehensive GPS and scoring app with advanced features like stroke analysis.

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases. Golfshot Pro features are available at $14.99/month or $59.99/year.

2. Golf GPS SwingU

Golf GPS SwingU is a user-friendly golf app offering accurate GPS distances on over 40,000 golf courses worldwide. It’s designed for golfers who want a simple yet effective tool to improve their game. The app provides essential features like GPS distances, digital scorecards, and performance tracking.

Main Features:

• Accurate GPS distances on over 40,000 golf courses.
• Digital scorecard for tracking scores and stats.
• Performance analysis to improve your game.
• Daily golf instruction tips from top instructors.
• Easy-to-use interface for quick access to distances and scores.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: User-friendly, accurate GPS distances, useful performance tracking.
• Cons: Limited advanced features compared to other golf apps.

Best For: Casual golfers and beginners looking for an easy-to-use app with essential golf GPS and scoring features.

Pricing:

• Free with optional in-app purchases for additional features.

3. Garmin Golf

Garmin Golf is a sophisticated app designed for golfers who use Garmin golf devices. It offers detailed course maps, performance tracking, and a competitive aspect with weekly leaderboards. The app syncs with Garmin golf watches and handhelds for a seamless golfing experience.

Main Features:

• Detailed course maps and GPS distances.
• Syncs with Garmin golf watches and handhelds.
• Performance tracking and analysis.
• Weekly leaderboards and tournaments.
• Scorecard and stat tracking.
• Compatible with a wide range of Garmin devices.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Detailed course information, seamless integration with Garmin devices, competitive features.
• Cons: Primarily beneficial for users of Garmin golf devices.

Best For: Golfers who already use or plan to use Garmin golf devices and want an integrated app experience.

Pricing:

• Free to download and use.

4. Arccos Caddie

Arccos Caddie is a sophisticated golf app that offers AI-powered GPS data for over 40,000 courses worldwide. It’s designed for golfers who want to improve their game by leveraging advanced analytics. The app pairs with Arccos Smart Sensors to automatically capture on-course shots and provides AI-driven advice for every shot.

Main Features:

• AI-powered GPS data for extensive course coverage.
• Automatic shot tracking with Arccos Smart Sensors.
• AI Rangefinder with real-time adjusted yardages.
• Personalized club recommendations and caddie advice.
• Scorecard and shot editing directly from the watch.
• Long battery life, especially on newer Apple Watch models.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Advanced analytics, automatic shot tracking, extensive course database.
• Cons: Requires Arccos Smart Sensors, annual subscription fee.

Best For: Serious golfers looking to improve their game with detailed analytics and shot tracking.

Pricing:

• $156 USD billed annually.

5. Tag Heuer Golf App

The Tag Heuer Golf App offers exclusive 3D maps of over 39,000 golf courses around the world. It’s designed for golfers who appreciate a visually appealing interface with accurate GPS tracking. The app provides distance to the green and hazards, shot distance measurement, and score saving features.

Main Features:

• Exclusive 3D maps for global course coverage.
• Accurate GPS distance tracking.
• Shot distance measurement.
• Real-time club recommendation feature.
• Integration with the Health app to track workouts.
• Interactive 2D course maps on the wrist.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: High-quality visuals, accurate GPS tracking, comprehensive course coverage.
• Cons: Premium subscription required for full feature access.

Best For: Golfers who value a visually appealing and accurate GPS golf app.

Pricing:

• Free, or upgrade to Tag Heuer Premium for $12.99 monthly or $89.99 annually.

6. Birdie

Birdie is a full-featured golf app designed to enhance the golfing experience with professional 3D golf course maps and a range of useful features. It’s suitable for golfers of all levels who seek accurate GPS yardages, a comprehensive golf scorecard, and offline map access.

Main Features:

• Professional 3D golf course maps.
• Accurate GPS yardages to any point on the course.
• Offline maps for use without an internet connection.
• Golf scorecard for the entire foursome.
• Target Mode for precise yardage planning.
• Efficient battery usage.
• Customizable display options.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: High-quality 3D maps, offline functionality, efficient battery usage.
• Cons: Advanced features require a Club Membership subscription.

Best For: Golfers looking for a high-quality GPS app with detailed course maps and offline capabilities.

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases; Club Membership at $39.99/year or $9.99/month.

7. Golf Pad: Golf GPS & Scorecard

Golf Pad is a fast and accurate golf GPS rangefinder, scorecard, and shot tracker. It’s designed for golfers who want a user-friendly app with essential features like GPS distances, scoring for up to four golfers, and aerial maps with flyovers.

Main Features:

• Accurate GPS rangefinder on over 40,000 courses.
• Detailed scoring for up to four golfers.
• Aerial maps with flyovers.
• Tee-to-green shot and club tracking.
• Offline mode for courses without internet access.
• Efficient battery life optimization.
• Integration with Apple Health for workout data.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: User-friendly, extensive course coverage, efficient battery life.
• Cons: Full functionality requires a premium subscription.

Best For: Golfers seeking a reliable and easy-to-use GPS rangefinder and scorecard app.

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases; Golf Pad Premium at $29.99/year.

8. Bushnell Golf Mobile

Bushnell Golf Mobile is an app designed for users of Bushnell Golf GPS and laser rangefinders. It offers reliable and accurate front, center, and back GPS-provided distances, shot planning with movable layup points, and wireless course updates for GPS devices.

Main Features:

• Accurate GPS distances on more than 38,000 courses.
• Shot planning with movable layup points.
• Animated hole views and wireless course updates.
• Track and store rounds and statistics.
• Compatible with Bushnell Golf GPS devices.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Accurate GPS distances, animated hole views, compatible with Bushnell devices.
• Cons: Primarily beneficial for users of Bushnell golf devices.

Best For: Golfers who use or plan to use Bushnell Golf GPS and laser rangefinders.

Pricing:

• Free to download and use.

Choosing the Right Golf App

Many of these apps offer free versions, but unlocking the full potential often requires a monthly or annual membership. Your mission is to find the app that boasts the “killer feature” you desire most. If specific swing data is your priority, look no further than Golfshot with its Swing ID feature. For those with grip-end sensors, Arccos Caddie is your ultimate choice.