Best Golf GPS App Test: How Golf Apps, Apple Watch and Smart Devices Change the Game

Bill McNeil

Jan 03, 15:21

Modern golf is no longer played on intuition alone. A golfer today steps onto the course with an app, a watch, and a stream of live data that reshapes every decision — from club selection to scorekeeping. A best golf GPS app is no longer just a digital map; it’s a personal performance assistant that follows every shot, every hole, and every round.

We ran a hands-on test of leading golf apps to understand how each performs in real conditions — measuring distance accuracy, shot tracking reliability, Apple Watch integration, battery impact, and overall usefulness for different types of players.

Arccos Caddie: Shot Tracking That Learns Your Golf Game

For golfers who want numbers instead of guesses, Arccos sits in a class of its own. Rather than relying on manual input, this golf GPS app works with dedicated sensors that attach to each club, allowing the system to record shots automatically.

Every swing, miss, and recovery becomes part of a growing performance profile. Over time, the app builds a statistical model of your golf game and uses strokes gained analysis to highlight where shots are lost — whether it’s approach play, short game, or putting.

What makes Arccos different:

Automatic shot-tracking with no manual logging;
Highly accurate yardages to greens and hazards;
Advanced analysis that adapts to your playing style;
Seamless Apple Watch support for on-course use.

This isn’t a completely free setup — sensors and a premium membership are required — but for golfers focused on measurable improvement, the tradeoff delivers serious value.

Motocaddy GPS App: Free Golf GPS That Keeps Things Simple

Not every golfer wants sensors, subscriptions, or advanced analysis. Motocaddy’s golf app strips things back to essentials and does them well. It’s completely free, easy to download, and designed for golfers who just want reliable distances without complexity.

The app provides clear yardages to the front, middle, and back of the green, along with hazard locations and basic hole layouts. It covers tens of thousands of golf courses worldwide and runs efficiently even during long rounds.

Why golfers stick with Motocaddy:

No subscription, no premium upsell;
Solid GPS accuracy for everyday play;
Manual scorecard and stat tracking;
Low battery consumption.

It won’t track shots automatically, but for players who prefer simplicity over data overload, it proves that you don’t need to pay to get dependable GPS golf distances.

Hole19: A Golf App Built for Apple Watch Players

Hole19 earns its reputation by balancing features and accessibility. This golf GPS app works equally well on smartphones and Apple Watch, letting players leave their phone in the bag while tracking distances and scores directly from the wrist.

Offline maps, smooth performance, and strong smartwatch integration make it especially appealing to golfers who want flexibility during a round. Shot distances can be logged manually, while premium tools unlock deeper stats and insights.

Standout features:

Free Apple Watch integration;
Accurate distances to the green and hazards;
Offline course maps;
Optional premium membership for advanced stats.

Hole19 fits golfers who want GPS, scorekeeping, and smartwatch convenience without committing to a complex ecosystem.

Bushnell Golf App: Rangefinder Accuracy in App Form

Bushnell’s reputation in laser rangefinders carries over into its golf GPS app. Instead of focusing on advanced shot tracking, the app emphasizes clarity, reliability, and clean visual layouts.

Distances are accurate, hole views are easy to read, and scorekeeping is straightforward. Golfers already familiar with Bushnell devices will feel immediately comfortable using the app.

Best suited for:

Players who prioritize GPS accuracy;
Golfers who prefer clean displays over analytics;
Users tracking scores and basic trends.

It’s a practical option for golfers who value consistency and trust proven hardware brands.

Golfshot: GPS Golf with Augmented Reality

Golfshot takes a different route by combining GPS data with augmented reality. By using your phone’s camera, the app overlays targets, hazards, and landing zones onto the live course view.

This creates a visual way to plan shots that goes beyond traditional maps. Golfshot also includes scorekeeping, detailed stats, and strong Apple Watch support.

Why Golfshot stands out:

AR-based course visualization;
Robust stat tracking and scorecards;
Accurate real-time distances during tournaments;
Premium tools for data-focused players.

Golfers who enjoy visual aids and modern technology will appreciate how Golfshot reshapes course navigation.

VPAR: Competitive Golf and Tournament Tracking

VPAR isn’t just about yardages — it’s about competition. Alongside GPS distances, the app allows golfers to create matches, join tournaments, and follow live leaderboards.

Formats like stroke play, match play, and Stableford are fully supported, making it ideal for club events and social golf.

Perfect for:

Competitive rounds with friends;
Club tournaments and society golf;
Players who enjoy live scoring and rankings.

While shot data remains basic, the social and competitive features give VPAR a distinct identity.

How to Choose the Best Golf GPS App for Your Game

There’s no universal answer to which app is “best.” The right choice depends on how you play.

Distance Accuracy

Reliable distances to greens, hazards, and targets are non-negotiable. Look for regularly updated course maps.

Shot Tracking and Statistics

Golfers chasing a lower handicap benefit from shot-tracking and post-round analysis.

Ease of Use

A user-friendly interface matters. The best app lets you focus on your swing — not menus.

Apple Watch and Golf Watches

Smartwatch support reduces phone dependency and improves on-course convenience.

Cost vs Features

Some apps are free, others require a premium membership. Decide which features actually improve your golf.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Golf GPS App

There is no single “perfect” golf GPS solution. Some golfers want automatic shot-tracking systems like Arccos. Others prefer free, no-frills apps like Motocaddy. Many fall somewhere in between.

What matters is choosing a best golf GPS app that fits how you play — whether that means tracking every shot, managing scores, or simply getting accurate distances to the green.

When the right app is in your pocket or on your watch, every round becomes easier to manage, easier to analyze, and more enjoyable to play.