Best Golf GPS Apps for 2025: Track Every Shot, Lower Your Score

The Best Golf GPS Apps in 2025, like Golfshot, SwingU, and Arccos Caddie help golfers play better by giving more than just distances.

These apps let you track your scores, see how many steps you take, and even show how many strokes you save each round. Some golfers say they play up to 4 strokes better after using them. You can use them on your phone or smartwatch to make smarter choices on the course.

If you’re trying to track your scores, improve your club selection, or turn your smartwatch into a virtual caddie, there’s an app designed for your game. Some users report saving up to 4 strokes per round using GPS insights and swing data. 

This guide reviews the top 9 golf GPS apps helping you choose the right one to lower your handicap and sharpen your performance from tee to green.

Quick Comparison Table of Golf GPS Apps

Before you dive into full reviews, here’s a quick side-by-side look at the best golf GPS apps in 2025. This table helps you compare the key features of each app based on what they’re best at like tracking your scores, giving strokes gained insights, or syncing with your smartwatch.

If you want a free option or a pro-level tool with shot data and club tips, this chart makes it easy to see what fits your game and gear.

Note:

This table highlights the core strengths of each app, their supported platforms, and pricing at the time of writing. Free versions typically offer basic GPS and scoring, while premium plans unlock advanced features like club recommendations, green contour maps, or AR views. Always check the app store for the latest updates and offers.

Arccos Caddie – Best Golf GPS App for Shot Tracking & AI Club Insights

Summary:
Arccos Caddie helps you play smarter golf. It tracks all your shots automatically, gives helpful club suggestions, and shows where you’re getting better or need to improve. You can even use it on your Apple Watch. 

It’s great for golfers who want to lower their scores and learn more about their game.

Key Features:

• Automatic Shot Tracking with Club Sensors – Each shot is recorded without needing to press buttons, helping you stay focused and giving you full-round data for analysis.
• AI-Powered Club Recommendations – Get real-time suggestions on which club to use based on your past performance, distance to target, and course conditions great for building course strategy.
• Strokes Gained Analytics – Compare your performance to other golfers by skill level. This feature highlights where you’re losing or gaining strokes, helping you improve specific parts of your game.
• Smart Distance Averages – Instead of relying on guesswork, the app shows how far you actually hit each club, making club selection more accurate.
• Apple Watch & Smartphone Compatibility – Easily check yardages and performance stats on your wrist or phone without interrupting your round.

Pros :

• Boosts performance by using real game data to find patterns and correct mistakes
• Hands-free experience thanks to automatic tracking; no need to log every shot manually
• Virtual coaching insights make it easier to train smarter, not just harder
• Cloud sync means your stats are always backed up and accessible across devices

Cons:

• Requires sensor purchase, which adds to the cost if you’re just looking for a free GPS app
• Premium pricing may not appeal to occasional or casual golfers who don’t need advanced stats
• Automatic shot tracking with club sensors

Reasons to Buy:

• Want a virtual caddie that learns your game? Arccos does that with data.

• Ideal for lowering scores using real feedback from your own performance.

• Great for tech-savvy golfers who want long-term game improvement.

Reasons to Avoid:

• Casual players may not need this level of data.

• Not suitable if you don’t want to use sensors or wearables.

Note: Arccos Caddie is a complete performance-tracking system, not just a GPS app. With club-mounted sensors and AI-powered data analysis, it helps golfers make smarter decisions, improve club strategy, and gain deep insights through strokes gained analytics.

Hole19 – Best Free Golf GPS App for Beginners

Summary:
Hole19 is a good choice for beginners. It gives clear distances to the green, helps you keep score, and works with smartwatches. It’s easy to use and gives you the basic tools to enjoy your round and track your progress.

Key Features:

• Front/Middle/Back Yardage Distances – Easy-to-read yardages to help beginners understand where to aim and how far to hit.
• Digital Scorecard – Lets you track scores hole-by-hole, making it easy to review your round later.
• Shot Distance Tracker – Helps you learn how far you hit each club over time.
• Round Summary Stats – Shows how many fairways and greens you hit, plus total putts to help identify areas to work on.
• Apple Watch Support – Check distances from your wrist without needing to pull out your phone.

Pros (What Users Like Most):

• Very beginner-friendly interface with no learning curve
• Free version is strong enough for most casual players
• Smartwatch compatibility adds on-course convenience

Cons (Things to Consider):

• Stat tracking is basic compared to more advanced apps
• Manual input required for shot distances and scores

Reasons to Buy:

• You’re a beginner golfer looking for a free app to track scores and distances

• You want a clean, ad-free app that works on your phone and Apple Watch

• You’re not yet ready for full stat analysis but want basic performance tracking

Reasons to Avoid:

• Doesn’t offer enough depth for competitive or data-driven golfers

• No automatic shot tracking or AI tools

Note: Hole19 is a user-friendly, lightweight app that gives you all the essentials: accurate GPS yardages, score tracking, and round summaries. Its clean interface and reliable performance make it perfect for first-time users or those who want a basic, no-fuss golf GPS.

Motocaddy GPS App – Best for Golfers with Motocaddy Trolleys

Summary:
Motocaddy GPS works well if you walk the course and use a Motocaddy cart. It gives you the right yardages, keeps score, and even tracks steps and calories. It’s a free and helpful tool for golfers who want both golf and health info in one place.

Key Features:

• Seamless Integration with Motocaddy Trolleys – Syncs directly with your Motocaddy gear for real-time GPS and stat display.
• Step & Calorie Tracker – Encourages healthy habits and tracks your walking stats during a round.
• Hole-by-Hole Yardages – Precise distance to the green from any point on the course.
• Scorecard & Round Stats – Keeps all your score history in one place.
• Free Access – No subscriptions required for core features.

Pros (What Users Like Most):

• Ideal for walking golfers who want health tracking and GPS in one
• Fully free, no premium upgrade needed
• Syncs well with Motocaddy products

Cons (Things to Consider):

• Limited features if you don’t own Motocaddy hardware
• No strokes gained or advanced analytics

Reasons to Buy:

• You already own a Motocaddy and want full-feature integration

• You want GPS yardages plus fitness tracking like steps/calories

• Great for walking golfers who want convenience

Reasons to Avoid:

• Not recommended for non-Motocaddy users

• No in-depth golf stats or shot analysis

Note: This free app is built to pair with Motocaddy electric trolleys and is ideal for players who walk the course and want an integrated health + GPS experience. It combines course mapping with fitness stats like steps and calories burned.

Golfshot GPS App – Best for Visual Learners and Apple Watch Users

Summary:
Golfshot is great for players who like clear pictures and details. It shows the layout of each hole, tracks your shots, and works well with Apple Watch. It mixes good tech with easy stats to help you play better and have more fun.

Key Features:

• Augmented Reality Hole Flyovers – Offers a 3D preview of the course to help you plan each shot visually.
• Stat Tracking for Fairways, Greens, and Putts – Gives a full picture of your game performance.
• Smart Club Averages – Helps you learn how far you hit each club over time.
• Apple Watch Support – Get distances and input scores from your wrist.
• Optional Premium Upgrade – Unlocks advanced features like auto shot tracking and coaching tips.

Pros (What Users Like Most):

• Great visuals for course planning and navigation
• Strong smartwatch experience for iOS users
• Plenty of helpful data, even in the free version

Cons (Things to Consider):

• AR mode can drain battery quickly
• Some features locked behind premium plan

Reasons to Buy:

• You prefer visual tools like hole flyovers and AR

• You’re an Apple Watch golfer who wants fast wrist access

• You enjoy tracking and reviewing round stats over time

Reasons to Avoid:

• Battery-heavy AR not ideal for older phones

• Limited without Pro subscription

Note: Golfshot leads with AR yardage views, course flyovers, and strong stat tracking. The UI is smooth and engaging, and its Apple Watch support is one of the best in the market. Ideal for golfers who want to “see the course.”

Bushnell Golf App – Best Golf GPS App for Bushnell Device Owners

Summary:
The Bushnell Golf app is perfect if you already have a Bushnell rangefinder or watch. It adds GPS maps, helps track your shots, and lets you record your swing. It gives you more ways to use your Bushnell gear without needing to spend more.

Key Features:

• Device Syncing – Connects directly to Bushnell devices like the Wingman speaker or Phantom GPS for enhanced usability.
• Swing Video Recording – Lets you capture and review your swing mechanics to improve performance.
• Course Overviews and GPS Yardages – View maps and distances to key points on each hole.
• Stat Storage and Review – Helps golfers keep long-term performance records.
• Cloud Backup – Secure storage for your round history and stats.

Pros (What Users Like Most):

• Integrates perfectly with Bushnell hardware
• Swing capture tool adds more coaching value
• Free to use with Bushnell gear

Cons (Things to Consider):

• Not useful without Bushnell devices
• Limited in-game features for those who want full stat breakdowns

Reasons to Buy:

• You already use a Bushnell GPS or rangefinder and want expanded app features

• You like basic stat tracking and swing recording during practice

• Audio syncing with Wingman speaker adds fun and utility

Reasons to Avoid:

• Not useful without Bushnell gear

• Missing coaching tools and advanced analytics

Note: Built for use with Bushnell GPS devices and rangefinders, this app enhances your hardware with full GPS yardages, swing analysis, and stat tracking. It’s ideal if you already use Bushnell Wingman, Phantom, or ION watches.

SwingU – Best Golf GPS App for Coaching and Self-Improvement

Summary:
SwingU gives golfers tools to improve their game. It shows you how far to hit, where you can do better, and gives coaching tips. It’s easy to use and helpful for learning more every time you play.

Key Features:

• GPS Yardages – Front/middle/back distances with accurate readings for smarter shot planning.
• Coaching Content – Includes video lessons and swing tips for various skill levels.
• Strokes Gained Analytics – Advanced tracking of putting, approach, and driving performance.
• Stat Tracking Dashboard – Helps you visualize strengths and weaknesses.
• Personalized Improvement Plans – A Premium feature that offers targeted drills and advice.

Pros (What Users Like Most):

• Blends coaching and GPS into one easy-to-use platform
• Free version is useful, with upgrades for deeper stats
• Ideal for golfers working on self-improvement

Cons (Things to Consider):

• Some lessons require a paid subscription
• Manual shot input needed for full stat features

Reasons to Buy:

• You want an all-in-one golf improvement app

• You enjoy learning while playing

• Great for mid-handicappers trying to lower scores

Reasons to Avoid:

• Lacks AR or flashy visuals

• Not suitable for golfers who just want GPS yardage

Note: SwingU is a GPS + virtual coach combo offering personalized lessons, swing tips, and strokes gained analytics. It’s excellent for golfers who want to improve their game with structured guidance, not just numbers.

Golf Logix – Best Golf GPS App for Green Reading and Putting Help

Summary:
Golf Logix is helpful for putting. It shows 3D maps of the green, so you can see how the ball will roll. This helps you line up better putts and avoid mistakes on tricky greens.

Key Features:

• 3D Green Maps – Color-coded slope visuals help you read the green before putting.
• Putt Break Visualizations – Predicts ball movement on the green for better line and pace.
• Full Hole Yardage and Flyovers – See your approach before hitting from the tee.
• Score and Stat Tracking – Logs your putting performance for improvement tracking.
• Personal Yardage Book – Create custom notes and strategies for courses you play often.

Pros (What Users Like Most):

• Helps you make better putting decisions
• Visual tools make learning green reading easier
• Improves confidence and pace control

Cons (Things to Consider):

• Premium plan needed for full green mapping access
• Less focus on tee-to-green tracking

Reasons to Buy:

• You lose strokes on the green and need visual green reading help

• You want realistic course views and 3D layouts

• Strong choice for competitive players who value every putt

Reasons to Avoid:

• Less useful if you already putt well

• Premium plan needed for full access

Note: Golf Logix stands out for its 3D green contour maps and putting line previews, great tools for players struggling to read breaks or lag putts. It’s built around visualizing the green rather than just tee-to-green stats.

VPAR App – Best Golf GPS App for Tournaments and Social Play

Summary:
VPAR is fun for playing golf with friends. It shows live scores, leaderboards, and makes every round feel like a tournament. It’s great if you enjoy friendly competition and group games.

Key Features:

• Live Scoring – View and update scores in real time during group play.
• Leaderboard Display – See how everyone’s doing instantly, just like a pro event.
• Scorecard Sharing – Great for post-round reviews and bragging rights.
• GPS Yardages – Basic GPS functionality for course navigation.
• Event Creation Tools – Customize competitions and track multiple players easily.

Pros (What Users Like Most):

• Perfect for outings and tournaments
• Creates excitement with real-time leaderboards
• User-friendly design for all skill levels

Cons (Things to Consider):

• Not ideal for solo rounds
• Limited stat tracking compared to other apps

Reasons to Buy:

• You host or play in group rounds or golf outings

• You want a fun, interactive live scoring system

• Great for club events, scrambles, or league play

Reasons to Avoid:

• Less helpful for solo practice rounds

• Doesn’t offer game improvement tools

Note: VPAR is designed for competitive play. It brings the live leaderboard experience to your phone, letting you and your group see real-time scores, leaderboards, and stats during a round. GPS features are included but secondary.

SkyCaddie Golf GPS Mobile App – Best for Tour-Grade GPS Accuracy

Summary:
SkyCaddie Mobile gives very accurate distances by mapping each course in person. It helps you choose the right club and play with confidence. It’s a trusted option for golfers who want top-level GPS data.

Key Features:

• Ground-Verified Mapping – Every course is walked and charted for pinpoint accuracy.
• Dynamic Hole Layouts – View changing yardages depending on tee box and pin location.
• Precise Yardages to Hazards and Greens – Know exactly where to aim and avoid trouble.
• Club Tracking Options – Helps dial in your distances over time.
• Stat Collection – Review and learn from past rounds through detailed performance reports.

Pros (What Users Like Most):

• Pro-level accuracy trusted by serious golfers
• Detailed course data for better decision-making
• Good for tournament prep and improving strategy

Cons (Things to Consider):

• Subscription required for full features
• Not as visually modern as some newer apps

Reasons to Buy:

• You want the most accurate GPS app on the market

• You play competitively and rely on precise distances

• Trusted brand in golf GPS technology

Reasons to Avoid:

• No free version

• Interface may feel outdated for casual users

Note: SkyCaddie Mobile is based on the same course data used by pro caddies. Every course is walked and mapped manually by SkyGolf, meaning distances are as accurate as it gets. It’s perfect for players who rely on pinpoint yardages and trusted data.

How to Choose the Right Golf GPS App for You

The best golf GPS app is the one that matches how you play and what you need help with. Some golfers just want easy yardages and a scorecard. Others want more, like tracking every shot, getting club suggestions, and seeing how to get better.

Get an App That Works with Your Gear

If you use a smartwatch like Apple Watch, choose an app like Golfshot or Arccos. These apps show distances and scores right on your wrist, so you don’t have to take out your phone.

Choose Between Easy Use or Game Stats

If you want a basic and easy app, Hole19 is a good choice. If you like to see stats and tips to improve your game, try Arccos or SwingU. These apps show things like where you lose strokes and give you ideas to play better.

Boost the Value of Your Golf Devices

If you already have a Motocaddy trolley or Bushnell rangefinder, their apps will give you extra features. These include step tracking, device syncing, and saving your game data.

Find Tools That Help You Improve

If putting is hard for you, Golf Logix shows detailed green maps that help you read the slopes. If you want to get better at your whole game, apps like SwingU and Golfshot Premium give you lessons and practice drills.

Make Every Round More Social

If you enjoy playing with others, VPAR is a great app. It has live scoring and leaderboards so you can see who’s winning while you play.

Picking the right app makes golf easier and more fun. It helps you play smarter and improve every time you’re on the course.

Buying Guide: Pick the Right Golf GPS App by What You Need

Not all apps are the same. Here’s how to choose the one that fits your goals, budget, and equipment.

Best Free vs Paid Golf GPS Apps

For free GPS help, choose apps like Hole19, SwingU, or Bushnell Golf. They give basic yardages, scorecards, and easy tracking.

For more features, Golfshot, Arccos, and Golf Logix offer advanced tools with a paid plan. You’ll get shot tracking, club suggestions, green maps, and even AR flyovers to plan your shots.

Golf GPS Apps with Coaching and Game Improvement Features

Apps like Golfshot and Golf Logix give you numbers on putts, fairways, and greens. For extra help, Arccos and SwingU also offer coaching tips and custom practice ideas.

Golf GPS Apps That Work Best with Your Existing Devices

If you use a Motocaddy GPS trolley, use the Motocaddy app for extra tools and syncing. If you have a Bushnell device, the Bushnell Golf app connects smoothly and gives you more swing and course data.

Golf GPS Apps for Green Mapping and Tournament Scoring

Want cool visuals? Use Golfshot for AR hole views or Golf Logix for 3D green reading. If you like games with friends or events, VPAR is made for live scoring and leaderboards.

By knowing what matters most to you, it’s easy to find a GPS app that fits your golf game.

FAQs About the Best Golf GPS Apps

How do I download a golf GPS app?

You can download golf GPS apps directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Just search for names like Golfshot, Hole19, or SwingU, then tap ‘Install’. Once downloaded, you can create an account and choose your home course to get started right away.

What is the best golf GPS app?

The best golf GPS app depends on your needs. For beginners, Hole19 offers a clean, free experience. If you want more data and swing tracking, Arccos and Golfshot are top-rated for their shot tracking, club suggestions, and strokes gained insights.

Do I need Wi-Fi to use a golf GPS app?

You don’t need Wi-Fi while on the course. Most golf GPS apps let you download courses in advance, so you can use them with just your phone’s GPS. This is especially helpful if you’re playing in areas with weak or no mobile signal.

Do golf GPS apps work without internet?

Yes, most golf GPS apps allow you to download course maps in advance. Once downloaded, you can use GPS features without needing a live internet connection, which is helpful in areas with weak signal.

How accurate are golf GPS apps?

Golf GPS apps are generally accurate within 3–5 yards. Apps like SkyCaddie offer premium accuracy because they manually walk and map each course. For casual play, even free apps like Hole19 provide solid performance.

Can golf GPS apps track my stats automatically?

Apps like Arccos use club sensors to automatically track each shot and show stats like fairways hit, greens in regulation, and strokes gained. Other apps like SwingU and Golfshot may require manual input for full stat tracking.

Are there golf GPS apps for Android users?

Yes, all major golf GPS apps including Golfshot, Hole19, SwingU, and Golf Logix are available on Android. They offer similar features across iOS and Android platforms.

Can I use these apps internationally?

Most top golf GPS apps include global course databases. You can use them in the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. Just make sure the course is supported by the app you’re using.

What is the best free golf GPS app?

Hole19 and SwingU offer top-rated free golf GPS features like accurate yardages, digital scorecards, and shot distance tracking. They are reliable and easy to use, making them perfect for beginners and casual players.

Can I use golf GPS apps with Apple Watch?

Yes, apps like Arccos, Golfshot, and Motocaddy work smoothly with Apple Watch. You can check distances, record scores, and get real-time stats without needing to pull out your phone.

Are golf GPS apps legal for tournaments?

Most golf GPS apps are legal under USGA and R&A rules, as long as you’re not using slope-adjusted distances or club recommendations. Always check with the tournament rules to make sure the features are allowed.

Which is better: a golf GPS app or a rangefinder?

A golf GPS app gives you overall course data, shot tracking, and player stats great for planning and learning. A rangefinder is better for exact pin distances. Many golfers use both together for the best results.

Final Thoughts on the Best Golf GPS Apps

Golf GPS apps are made to help you play better and have more fun. Some apps are simple and show you how far to the hole. Others give you stats, shot tracking, and even swing tips.

If you just want an easy way to get distances and keep score, apps like Hole19 or SwingU are great and don’t cost anything. If you want more tools to help you learn and improve, Golfshot and Arccos give you a lot of helpful features.

Some apps work better if you already use special golf gear, like a Motocaddy trolley or a Bushnell rangefinder. These apps are built to match with that equipment.

The best golf GPS apps help you plan your shots, play smarter, and enjoy your time on the course. Pick the one that fits how you play and what you want to work on.

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