Golf Apps

Lower scores, faster rounds, free handicap.

Golfshot

Free; $30/yr Pro

GPS yardages on your phone. Track scores. Stats. Voice yardages.

Hole19

Free; $40/yr Premium

Beautiful interface. Pinpoint GPS. Strong free version.

Best free pick.

18Birdies

Free; $90/yr

Includes swing video review with AI tips.

Best for swing improvement.

Garmin Approach G80 / R10

$200-600

Real launch monitor. Practice at home or range.

For serious improvement.

Bushnell rangefinder

$200-500

Laser yardage to flag. More accurate than GPS apps.

Best dedicated rangefinder.

Apple Watch + Hole19

Free with Apple Watch + app

GPS yardages on wrist. Free if you have a watch.

Best phone-free option.

TheGrint

Free; $30/yr

Free USGA-style handicap tracking. Posts scores automatically.

Best for tracking handicap.

For different needs

Just yardages → Hole19 free or Golfshot free.
Track score + stats → Golfshot or 18Birdies.
Real handicap → TheGrint (free) or USGA GHIN ($45/yr).
Swing improvement → Garmin R10 launch monitor for home practice.
On-course rangefinder → Bushnell laser. Faster than apps for "how far to the pin?".
Pickleball → "Pickleball+" app for finding courts and rules.

Apple Watch / Garmin watch features

Yardages without taking phone out of pocket.
Score input via voice ("4" → next hole).
Heart rate during round.
Steps walked — surprising at end of round.
Garmin Approach S62 — golf-specific watch with full course maps.

Senior tee discounts

Most courses offer senior rates (often 20-30% off). Some offer "twilight" rates after 2-3 PM. GolfNow app shows discounted tee times. Many private clubs offer senior memberships at 50%+ off — ask.