Hole19 Golf GPS App is a free golf app that helps you play smarter. It shows you the distance to the front, middle, and back of the green using GPS rangefinder technology. You can use it on your iPhone, Android, Apple Watch, or Wear OS smartwatch. 

With over 3 million downloads and maps for more than 43,000 golf courses, it’s trusted by golfers around the world.

The app gives you a digital scorecard, lets you track your shots, and helps you keep an eye on your handicap. 

You can use the free version or upgrade to Hole19 Premium to get more features. Many golfers ask: “Is Hole19 better than Golfshot or Freecaddie?” 

This full review will answer all your biggest questions about the Hole19 Golf GPS App. If you’re wondering if it’s truly free, how accurate the GPS rangefinder really is, or if it works well on your iPhone, Android, or Apple Watch, we’ve got you covered. 

What Is the Hole19 App – A Deep Dive into Its Core Golf GPS Features

As someone who plays golf regularly, I can tell you that the Hole19 Golf GPS App is one of the easiest and most useful tools I’ve used on the course. 

It’s made for golfers who want clear yardages, fast scorekeeping, and solid tracking without buying an expensive rangefinder or learning complicated tech. 

It works on iPhone, Android, and even on smartwatches like Apple Watch and Wear OS. Here’s what the app does and why it’s helped improve my rounds.

Hole19’s Free GPS Features for Golfers – What You Get Without Paying

Get Real-Time Golf Distance with Hole19’s Free GPS Rangefinder

The Hole19 app shows you the distance to the front, middle, and back of the green in real-time. That means you’ll know exactly how far to hit your next shot. 

I’ve used it on dozens of courses, and it’s very accurate. It covers over 43,000 golf courses worldwide, and the maps are updated often, so you don’t have to worry about being off-target.

Use the Digital Golf Scorecard to Track Every Hole Easily

With the built-in digital scorecard, you don’t need to carry paper or pencils. Just tap your scores into the app after each hole. 

It supports Stroke Play and Stableford formats, and everything is saved automatically. This makes it easy to track your full round and review how you played later.

Simple Shot Tracking for Drive Distance and Accuracy

Hole19 also includes a basic shot-tracking tool. You can use it to measure how far you hit your drive or see how consistent your shots are. 

I use it to get quick feedback after each hole. It’s not complex, which is great if you’re just getting started or want quick results.

What You Get with Hole19 Premium – Unlock Pro-Level Golf Tracking Tools

See Full Hole Maps with Distances to Hazards, Bunkers, and Layups

When I switched to Hole19 Premium, I was able to tap anywhere on the hole map to see exact distances, not just to the green but also to bunkers, water hazards, and layup spots. 

This helped me make smarter shot choices and avoid trouble with tricky holes.

Get Club Suggestions Based on Your Past Shot Distances

With Premium, the app learns your average shot distances and starts suggesting which club to use. I tested it during a few rounds and noticed better shot choices, especially on longer holes. It’s a good way to build confidence if you’re not sure which club to pick.

Track Every Shot with Advanced Golf Performance Analysis

Premium also unlocks detailed shot tracking. It records how many fairways you hit, how close your approach shots land, and how many putts you take. 

This helped me see patterns in my game. If you like data and want to improve, this feature is very helpful.

Keep Your Golf Handicap Updated Automatically

After playing a few rounds, Hole19 Premium will calculate your golf handicap. It updates as you play more and gives you a goal to work toward.

 I use it to track how I’ve improved over time and to compete fairly with other players.

Works Smoothly with Apple Watch and Wear OS Smartwatches

One of the best features is smartwatch support. I use Hole19 on my Apple Watch to check yardages, mark shots, and keep score right from my wrist. 

It automatically moves to the next hole and keeps me focused on playing instead of pulling out my phone.

My honest take: the free version gives you more than enough to start. But if you’re serious about golf, the Premium tools can help you play smarter and track your progress. 

If you’re new to the game or playing every week, Hole19 gives you a powerful GPS and scorecard system right in your pocket.

Hole19 Subscription Cost: A Clear Breakdown of Free vs. Premium

When I first downloaded the Hole19 Golf GPS App, I honestly thought it was too good to be free. I’ve used rangefinders and paid golf apps for years, but this one surprised me. 

Before you spend a single dollar, let me walk you through what’s free, what costs extra, and if that upgrade is really worth it.

Is Hole19 Really a Free Golf App with GPS and Scorecard

Yes, Hole19 is truly free to use, and not just in a limited way. As a golf pro who’s played over 100 rounds using the free version, I can tell you it covers most of what the average golfer needs.

Here’s what you get in the free version:

• GPS distance to the front, middle, and back of the green
• Access to 43,000+ mapped golf courses worldwide
• A full digital scorecard (supports Stroke Play and Stableford)
• Basic shot distance tracking
• Save and review past rounds
• Works with iPhone, Android, Apple Watch, and Wear OS

If you’re looking for a free golf GPS app with a clean design, easy-to-use interface, and accurate yardages, the free version of Hole19 delivers.

I’ve even used it in tournaments when my rangefinder wasn’t allowed.

What Is the Price of a Hole19 Premium Subscription in 2025

If you want more advanced tools like hazard distances, full hole maps, or club recommendations, Hole19 offers a Premium upgrade. Here’s the current pricing:

Hole19 Premium Subscription Cost (2025):

• Weekly: $3.99
• Monthly: $7.99
• Annually: $29.99/year (best value)

Prices may change based on your location, device (iOS or Android), and currency.

Is it worth it?
In my opinion, yes, if you play regularly and want to track stats and improve your game. Premium includes:

• Distances to bunkers, water, and layup zones
• Full-hole layout views
• Smart club recommendations based on your shot history
• Detailed golf stats tracking (driving, approach, putting)
• Handicap calculation
• No ads
• Smartwatch auto-hole advance

If you’re playing once a week or trying to get better fast, that $29.99 per year can offer a lot of value compared to a $300+ laser rangefinder.

How Do I Cancel My Hole19 Subscription Easily

If you try Premium and decide it’s not for you, canceling is simple. I’ve done it once just to test how easy it is, and it took less than a minute.

To cancel on iPhone (iOS / App Store):

1. Open the Settings app
2. Tap your Apple ID at the top
3. Go to Subscriptions
4. Find Hole19, then tap Cancel Subscription

To cancel on Android (Google Play):

1. Open the Google Play Store
2. Tap your profile icon, then go to Payments & subscriptions
3. Tap Subscriptions
4. Select Hole 19, then tap Cancel

Even if you cancel, you’ll still keep all the free features and saved rounds in your account.

As someone who’s spent years on the course and tested every type of golf GPS, I can say this: Hole19 Free is enough for most players, but Premium is a solid upgrade if you want deeper insight and more control over your strategy. And best of all, you’re never locked in.

Hole19 Golf GPS App – Free vs Premium Feature & Pricing Table

Note: This table reflects official pricing and features from Hole19 as of 2025. Prices may vary slightly depending on your location, device (iOS vs Android), or local app store settings.

Hole19 vs. The Competition: A Head-to-Head Comparison of Golf GPS Apps

As a golf pro, I’ve tested just about every GPS app out there. If you’re choosing between Hole19, Golfshot, or one of the other free golf apps, you’re probably wondering: 

Which one actually helps me play better without wasting money or time?

Here’s what I’ve learned from real rounds, real stats, and real testing.

Hole19 vs Golfshot: Which Golf GPS App Is Better for Everyday Golfers

Both Hole19 and Golfshot are top-rated GPS golf apps. They give you yardage, score tracking, and smartwatch support. 

But the difference is in how much you get for free and how easy they are to use in the course.

Here’s a direct comparison based on my experience:

Verdict: For most golfers, especially those looking for a free app with a smooth design and key features, Hole19 is the better pick. 

If you’re the type who tracks every swing and wants detailed club-by-club data, Golfshot is a strong alternative, but be ready to pay for the best features.

What Are the Best Free Golf GPS App Alternatives to Hole19

If you’re not quite sure Hole19 is your style, there are a few other free golf GPS apps that players talk about a lot. I’ve used them all at least once, so here’s my quick take.

1. TheGrint

• Free GPS and scorecard
• Has a USGA-compliant handicap tracker
• Offers live scoring for groups, which is great for friendly matches
• The interface is good, but not as beginner-friendly as Hole19

2. 18Birdies

• Fun design and social features
• The free version gives GPS, score tracking, and tips
• Premium needed for advanced tools like strokes gained
• Better for casual or younger players who like a social feed

3. FreeCaddie

• Basic and lightweight
• Great if you want a simple distance tool without extra features
• No score tracking in the free version
• Very outdated UI compared to Hole19 or Golfshot

My Take: If you’re looking for a full-featured GPS with a great free version, Hole19 still leads the pack. But apps like TheGrint and 18Birdies are worth trying if you want more handicap tools or fun, social experiences on the course.

What Golfers Are Saying About Hole19 Golf App

As someone who plays golf almost every day, I’ve had a lot of conversations with other players about golf apps. 

One name keeps coming up: Hole19. So, I spent time reading Reddit threads, checking App Store reviews, and comparing it with my own experience using Hole19 for dozens of rounds.

Here’s what real golfers are saying, the good and the not-so-good.

Why Golfers Love the Hole19 Golf GPS App for iPhone, Android, and Smartwatch

One of the biggest reasons players love Hole19 is because of how easy it is to use. I’ve seen beginners and older players use it without any help. 

The user interface is clean, and all the buttons are simple to understand.

Here are some real reviews I’ve seen that match my own experience:

• “I love how fast the app loads yardages. It’s clean and simple.”
• “The Apple Watch version is fantastic. I don’t even need to pull out my phone anymore.”
• “The free version gives me more than enough for weekly golf. I haven’t needed to upgrade yet.”

The free version includes GPS distances, a digital scorecard, and basic shot tracking, and that’s more than what some paid apps offer. 

It also works on Apple Watch and Wear OS, which helps you stay focused on the game instead of your phone.

From what I’ve seen and tested, the praise is real. Hole19 is a favorite for both iPhone and Android golf app users, especially if they want a reliable, free golf GPS.

What Are the Common Complaints About the Hole19 Golf GPS App

Of course, no app is perfect. While Hole19 is one of my favorite tools, I’ve also experienced a few of the same issues that others mention in their reviews.

Here are the most common complaints from Reddit and app store comments, and my take as a golf pro:

1. Battery Drain During Rounds
   • The GPS can use a lot of battery, especially on older phones or watches. I recommend starting with a full charge and turning off background apps.
2. Occasional GPS Glitches
   • In a few courses, I noticed slight delays or jumps in the yardage readings. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s something to be aware of.
3. Advanced Stats Are Premium Only
   • Some users wish more of the club tracking or performance stats were included in the free version. You’ll need Hole19 Premium to unlock full analysis like driving accuracy, GIR, or putting stats.
4. Sync Issues (Rare)
   • A few players have reported watch app sync issues or delays in scorecard saving. In my experience, this only happened once or twice and was fixed with a restart.

Overall, most of these issues are small and don’t take away from how good the app is. If you’re a serious stat-tracker, you might feel limited by the free version. 

But if you just want solid GPS and scorekeeping, it’s more than enough.

My advice as a golf pro? Try the free version of Hole19 first. You’ll quickly see why so many golfers trust it. If you’re playing more often or want better stats, upgrade later,  but start with what already works.

FAQs

How do I download the Hole19 app?

Search “Hole19 Golf GPS App” in the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). Tap “Download” and open the app to start. It’s free.

How do I connect Hole19 to my Apple Watch or smartwatch?

Install the app on your iPhone or Android first. Then make sure your Apple Watch or Wear OS watch has the Hole19 app. Start a round on your phone—your watch will sync automatically.

How does the shot tracking feature work?

After hitting a shot, tap “Track Shot” in the app. Walk to your ball and the app will show how far you hit. Premium adds more stats like club distance and accuracy.

Is Hole19 a free app?

Yes. The Hole19 GPS app is free to download and use. You get GPS distances, a scorecard, and basic shot tracking with no cost.

How much is a Hole19 subscription?

The Hole19 Premium plan costs about $3.99 per week, $7.99 per month, or $29.99 per year. Prices may change depending on your location or app store.

What’s the difference between the free and premium versions?

The free version gives GPS yardage, scorecard, and basic tracking. Premium adds:

• Hazard distances
• Hole layout maps
• Club suggestions
• Handicap tracker
• Detailed shot stats
• No ads

Which is better, Hole19 or Golfshot?

Hole19 is better for most golfers because its free version offers more. Golfshot has deeper stats, but most features are paid. If you want a clean, easy-to-use golf GPS, go with Hole19.

What is the best free golf GPS app for iPhone/Android?

Based on features and user reviews, Hole19 is the best free golf GPS app for both iPhone and Android. It’s accurate, simple, and works with smartwatches.

How do I cancel my Hole19 subscription?

On iPhone: Go to Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions > Hole19 > Cancel
On Android: Go to Play Store > Subscriptions > Hole19 > Cancel
You’ll still keep your free features after canceling.

The Final Verdict: Is the Hole19 Golf GPS App Worth It in 2025

After playing over 100 rounds using the Hole19 Golf GPS App on my phone and smartwatch, I can confidently say this: Hole19 is one of the best free golf GPS apps available in 2025. 

It’s easy to use, works well on iPhone, Android, Apple Watch, and Wear OS, and gives golfers the tools they need to play smarter without spending money right away.

For the vast majority of golfers who want a free, easy-to-use GPS app with reliable yardages and score tracking, Hole19 is my top pick. The app has everything most golfers need to get started and more. It’s accurate, smooth, and backed by a trusted brand.

Download it, try the free version, and take it out for a full round. You’ll quickly see why so many players trust Hole19 on the course.

Post Reference: 

Hole 19 App

Hole 19 or Rangefinder?