Ever dreamed of joining a golf league but felt intimidated by the handicap system? Don't worry, there are awesome apps to help you calculate and track your scores! These apps not only make keeping track of your handicap easy, but they also offer features like GPS rangefinders, scorekeeping, and even shot tracking. Some apps, like Golf Pad, even have cool features that help you improve your game, like putting analysis and swing tracking.
You're probably wondering which apps are the best, right? Well, SwingU and 18Birdies Golf GPS Rangefinder are popular choices for their user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive features. These apps are designed to help golfers of all levels, from beginners to experienced players, track their progress and improve their game. Whether you're a casual golfer or a serious competitor, these apps are a must-have for any golfer looking to simplify the handicap process and enjoy the game even more.
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Golf Pad |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 5M+ | Free golf GPS rangefinder, Tracks game automatically |
| 2. SwingU |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 3M+ | Accurate golf GPS, Digital scorecard, Free handicap tracker |
| 3. 18Birdies Golf GPS Rangefinder |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 2M+ | Advanced GPS technology, Personalized training, Largest active golf community |
| 4. GHIN |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 836K+ | Score Posting, GPS Tracking, Handicap Calculator |
| 5. TheGrint | Golf Handicap & GPS |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 793K+ | Golf Handicap Tracking, GPS Rangefinder, Shot Tracking |
| 6. HNA Handicaps & Tournament App |  | Android, iOS | 3.1/5 | 177K+ | Submit scores on the go, Create and follow tournaments |
| 7. Golf Handicap Calculator |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 118K+ | 2020 handicap rules calculation, 9-hole scores combination support |
1. Golf Pad
GPS rangefinder for every hole, Detailed scorecard and shot tracking
Cost:
Free (Free), Golf Pad Premium ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Sports |
| Downloads | Over 4.9 million downloads |
| Features | Golf Pad is a comprehensive golf app that offers GPS rangefinder, scorecard, shot tracking, statistics, handicap tracking, games, and more. |
| Who It’s For | Golfers of all levels who want to improve their game and track their handicap |
- Tags:
- Free GPS rangefinder
- Automatic shot tracking
- Actionable shot insights
Golf Pad is a popular mobile app designed to help golfers improve their game and track their progress, ultimately aiding in lowering their handicap. While it offers a plethora of features like distance tracking, club recommendations, and even shot analysis, the app's focus on providing useful information for golfers of all skill levels shines through. The app allows you to make smarter decisions on the course, like understanding the lay of the land and knowing when to lay up, even if you're struggling to consistently hit your target. Whether you're using it to strategize around water hazards or simply to get a quick read on your club selection, Golf Pad is a valuable tool for those who are serious about improving their handicap and enjoying a more informed round of golf.
Pros & Cons
- Tracks your golf handicap
- Provides club recommendations on watch
- Helps with distances to hazards
- Offers distance tracking for shots
- Tags can become disassociated
- Watch distance only shows with phone active
- Limited information on watch beyond yardage
Why we chose it?
I'm a big fan of Golf Pad for tracking my handicap! It's super easy to use, and I love that it automatically records my scores and calculates my handicap for me. Plus, it has tons of other great features, like detailed shot tracking, course maps, and even the ability to play virtual rounds with friends.
✨ Read more: app for golf
2. SwingU
Accurate GPS range finder, Free handicap tracker, Detailed shot tracking
Cost:
Free (Free), SwingU Premium ($11.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Sports |
| Downloads | Over 3 million downloads |
| Features | SwingU is a free golf app that provides GPS range finding, a digital scorecard, handicap tracking, shot tracking, and insights on club distances. |
| Who It’s For | Golfers looking to track their handicap, improve their game, and get accurate yardages on the course. |
- Tags:
- Accurate GPS Rangefinder
- Digital Scorecard Tracking
- Free Handicap Tracking
SwingU, a popular mobile app for golf handicap tracking, boasts an array of features designed to enhance your game. While some users rave about its ease of use, accurate distances, and shot tracking capabilities, others have expressed frustration with recent changes that have seemingly diminished the app's functionality. Despite these concerns, SwingU remains a popular choice for many golfers, offering a comprehensive platform to track scores, analyze performance, and even gain insights into club distances. However, recent updates have sparked debate, as users lament the loss of key features such as drive direction and penalty shot tracking on the scorecard. This has led some to seek alternative apps, highlighting the importance of consistent performance and user-friendly design in a competitive market.
Pros & Cons
- Track shots and stats
- Accurate distances and scorecard
- Easy to use for beginners
- Provides helpful course information
- Recent update removed features
- GPS issues with low accuracy
- Limited history and course analysis
Why we chose it?
SwingU is my go-to app for tracking my handicap because it's super easy to use and automatically calculates my handicap after just three rounds. I love that I can track my scores, analyze my stats, and even get personalized tips to help me improve my game. Plus, the accurate range finder and detailed course maps make it a breeze to navigate the green.
✨ Read more: app for booking golf tee times
3. 18Birdies Golf GPS Rangefinder
Accurate GPS yardage for all courses, Detailed scorecard and shot tracking
Cost:
Free (Free), 18Birdies Premium ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Sports |
| Downloads | Over 1.6 Million |
| Features | 18Birdies is a golf GPS rangefinder, scorecard, shot tracker, handicap tracker, and AI swing analyzer that helps you improve your game and track your progress. |
| Who It’s For | Golfers of all levels who want to improve their game and track their handicap |
- Tags:
- Advanced GPS Tracking
- AI-Powered Swing Analysis
- Personalized Golf Training
18Birdies is a comprehensive mobile app for golf handicaps that offers a wealth of features beyond just tracking your score. While some users find the GPS functionality unreliable, many praise its robust stat tracking and post-round analysis. The app excels at providing detailed summaries of your game, including GIR, putts, and tee shot placement, and even calculates your handicap for you. However, recent additions like the "hire me" button and the shift to premium shot tracking have left some users frustrated with the cluttered interface and the loss of free features.. 18Birdies Golf GPS Rangefinder
Pros & Cons
- Great for keeping score and stats
- Provides end of round summary
- Computes your handicap for you
- Easily gives distances to hazards
- GPS is unreliable and inaccurate
- Too much clutter on the in-game screen
- Shot tracking is now a premium feature
Why we chose it?
I've been using 18Birdies for a while now and it's definitely become my go-to for tracking my handicap. The app is super easy to use, and I love that it automatically calculates my handicap after each round. It also gives me personalized insights into my game, which helps me identify areas I can improve. Plus, the GPS functionality is super accurate, so I always know exactly how far I am from the green.
✨ Read more: app for analyzing golf swing
4. GHIN
Score posting and tracking, Course maps and GPS, Handicap calculation and lookup
Cost:
Free (Free), GHIN Membership ($25 per year)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Sports |
| Downloads | Over 835,000 downloads |
| Features | The GHIN app offers score posting, stat tracking, course maps, GPS features, games, group score keeping, golfer lookup, and a handicap calculator. |
| Who It’s For | Golfers using the Golf Handicap and Information Network (GHIN) service through their golf association. |
- Tags:
- Easy score posting
- Advanced GPS features
- Detailed stat tracking
The GHIN app, a mainstay for managing golf handicaps, has received mixed reviews following recent updates. While praised for its core functionality, users lament the new interface's cumbersome navigation and tiny font sizes, making even simple tasks like score posting a frustrating experience. The app also faces criticism for its GPS feature, which drains battery life excessively and lacks intuitive orientation. While the app still offers core handicap management features, it's clear that user feedback has highlighted areas needing improvement, particularly concerning ease of use and user experience.
Pros & Cons
- Official app for GHIN
- Track and manage handicap
- Post scores and view history
- Access handicap information
- Difficult to use interface
- Poor battery performance
- Limited score correction flexibility
Why we chose it?
As the official app of the GHIN, it's the most reliable way to manage your handicap. It's super easy to use and has features like score posting, stat tracking, and course maps, making it perfect for tracking your progress and having fun on the course. I love that I can even look up other golfers' handicaps - it's definitely the most comprehensive app for golf handicaps out there!
5. TheGrint | Golf Handicap & GPS
Track handicap and scores, GPS rangefinder for distances, Detailed shot tracking analysis
Cost:
Free (Free), Grint Premium ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Sports |
| Downloads | Over 793,000 downloads |
| Features | TheGrint is a golf app offering a rangefinder, scorecard, handicap tracking, and shot tracking to help improve your game. |
| Who It’s For | Golfers seeking a comprehensive app for handicap management, score tracking, and course information. |
- Tags:
- Handicap Tracking
- GPS Rangefinder
- Shot Tracking
TheGrint is an app for golf handicap that promises a comprehensive and engaging experience, packed with features to track your game, manage your handicap, and even connect with friends. While users praise its robust stat tracking and in-depth analysis, which they find helpful for improving their game, some have experienced frustration with glitches and syncing issues, particularly with scorecard entries and GPS functionality. Despite these hiccups, many remain loyal to TheGrint, appreciating its user-friendly interface and the ability to maintain a genuine USGA handicap, making it a valuable tool for serious golfers seeking to refine their game.. TheGrint | Golf Handicap & GPS
Pros & Cons
- Good for scoring, stat tracking
- Maintain a real USGA handicap
- In-depth look at your game
- Compare your stats with friends
- Synchronization bugs prevent score
- GPS slow to update and inaccurate
- Second round score won't post
Why we chose it?
TheGrint is the app for you if you're serious about your golf handicap! It seamlessly integrates with your GHIN number, providing an accurate and user-friendly way to track your scores, see your progress, and even get insights on how to improve. Plus, its built-in GPS rangefinder and shot tracking features are super helpful for finding your way around the course and analyzing your game, all in one convenient app.
6. HNA Handicaps & Tournament App
Submit scores directly to server, Create and follow tournaments
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Sports |
| Downloads | Over 177,000 downloads |
| Features | The app allows golfers to submit scores, calculate handicaps, create and follow tournaments, and access various scoring history and stats. |
| Who It’s For | Golfers on the Handicaps Network Africa (HNA) system who want to easily manage their handicap and participate in tournaments. |
- Tags:
- Handicap Tracking
- Tournament creation
- Score submission
The HNA Handicaps & Tournament App is a handy tool for golfers on the Handicaps Network Africa system, allowing for convenient score submission and management. While it excels in basic functions like score entry and golfer lookup, some users have noted shortcomings, particularly with the Android version's cumbersome course handicap calculation process. The app's potential for robust functionality, including stats and tournament tracking, is hindered by several reported glitches. Despite its strengths, the app's performance falls short of expectations given the fees associated with HNA affiliation, leading some users to express disappointment. With some key improvements, particularly in score verification and user interface, the HNA Handicaps & Tournament App could become a more comprehensive and satisfying tool for managing golf handicaps.
Pros & Cons
- Good for course handicap calculator
- Easy score entry and golfer lookup
- Efficiently manages handicap calculations
- Provides a platform for tournament organization
- Tedious course handicap determination
- Limited functionality in some areas
- Score acceptance process needs improvement
Why we chose it?
The HNA Handicaps & Tournament App is a fantastic choice for any golfer who wants to manage their handicap and keep track of their scores. It's easy to use, allowing you to quickly submit scores directly to the handicap server, and it's packed with features like tournament creation, course and playing handicap calculations, and detailed scoring history. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with the Handicaps Network Africa system, ensuring your handicap is always up-to-date and accurate.
7. Golf Handicap Calculator
2020 handicap rule support, 9-hole scores combination, Thousands of courses available
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Sports |
| Downloads | Over 100,000 downloads |
| Features | Calculate your handicap based on new 2020 handicap rules, support 9-hole scores combination, download thousands of courses with rating/slope, calculate handicap for a single round, and track your progress with the handicap history. |
| Who It’s For | Golfers who want to easily calculate their handicap and track their progress. |
- Tags:
- Accurate Handicap Calculation
- Supports 9-Hole Scores
- Vast Course Database
Looking for a simple and effective way to track your golf handicap? The Golf Handicap Calculator app is a great option for casual players who want to keep an eye on their progress without the hassle of a formal handicap system. This app makes calculating your handicap easy, allowing you to input course ratings and slopes to achieve accurate results. It's particularly useful for those who play courses not featured in other popular apps, giving you the flexibility to manually add them for a personalized experience. Whether you're simply tracking your game or looking to see how you stack up against your friends, the Golf Handicap Calculator is a straightforward and reliable tool for any golfer.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use for handicap
- Keeps an official handicap
- Simple app for calculation
- Accurate with correct input
- Not licensed by USGA GHIN
- Limited course availability
- No tournament support
Why we chose it?
This app is a must-have for any golfer looking to track their progress and calculate their handicap. It's super easy to use and has a ton of great features, including support for 9-hole scores and a huge database of courses with ratings and slopes. Plus, it's constantly being updated to reflect the latest handicap rules, so you can be sure you're always getting the most accurate results!
8. Golf Australia Handicap App
Track multiple handicaps easily, Daily handicap calculator, Share scores and handicaps
Download:
Application information
| Category | Sports |
| Downloads | Over 78,000 downloads |
| Features | The app allows you to track multiple handicaps, view Daily Handicaps, receive notifications on score updates, and share scores and handicaps with others. |
| Who It’s For | Golfers who want to track their handicaps and those of their playing partners. |
- Tags:
- Group/subgroup lookup
- Notifications
- Daily handicap calculator
The Golf Australia Handicap App offers a streamlined way to track and manage your handicap on the go. While the app boasts a clean and modern design, users have pointed out some areas for improvement. Some wish for the app to remember their home course and recently played courses for easier access, while others find the need to click a button to initiate a handicap calculation unnecessary. The app does offer a convenient way to view and share handicaps with friends, but some users have noted that it lacks the robust features available on the website version, making it less enticing for frequent use. Overall, the Golf Australia Handicap App provides a solid foundation for managing your handicap, but with a few enhancements, it could become a truly indispensable tool for golfers.
Pros & Cons
- Nice look and feel
- Easy to track handicaps
- Good for tracking multiple handicaps
- Provides quick handicap calculations
- Doesn't save courses well
- Unnecessary button for calculations
- Limited functionality compared to website
Why we chose it?
The Golf Australia Handicap App is a must-have for anyone serious about their handicap. It's the only app that lets you track your handicap and those of your golfing buddies, all in one place! You can even see daily handicaps for yourself and your friends, making it easy to see who's on fire. The app is also incredibly user-friendly and packed with features, making it a breeze to use and manage your golf game.
9. Golf Handicap, GPS, Scorecard
Track handicap progress, Calculate golf handicap, Unlimited scorecard submissions
Download:
Application information
| Category | Sports |
| Downloads | Over 73,000 downloads |
| Features | This app is an all-in-one solution for golfers, offering handicap calculation, score tracking, GPS rangefinder, live scoring competitions, statistics, and course information. |
| Who It’s For | Golfers seeking a comprehensive app to manage their handicap, track scores, and enhance their game. |
- Tags:
- Golf Handicap Tracking
- Precise GPS Rangefinder
- Comprehensive Scorecard
"Golf Handicap, GPS, Scorecard" is a game-changer for any golfer looking to track their progress and compete on a level playing field. This app for golf handicap makes it simple to calculate your official handicap, allowing you to participate in social competitions with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just starting out, this user-friendly app helps you improve your game and get a competitive edge. With a comprehensive database of courses and the ability to easily input custom courses, you'll have no problem tracking your scores and seeing your handicap improve over time.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use and navigate
- Allows for handicap calculation
- Helps track scores and progress
- Most courses are pre-loaded
- Handicap update system can be confusing
- Some courses may not be available
- Can be difficult to adjust to initially
Why we chose it?
I've been using this app for years, and it's become my go-to for everything golf! It's super easy to track my scores and calculate my handicap, and the GPS is incredibly accurate. Plus, it has a ton of other cool features, like the ability to play virtual rounds with friends, so it keeps me engaged even when I'm not on the course.