In an article from January 2016 titled “5 Lessons learned at the PGA Show”,  I included a statement which said that there are just too many golf apps out there. Fast forward 5 years, there are many more golf apps on the market and this article for the best golf apps you will actually use is even more relevant. Many apps attempt to do the same functions as the other, with only minor improvements over the existing apps.

While my stance on the number of apps has not changed, but thought I would use this article to highlight a few golf apps that actually solve problems for golfers and are the best golf apps you will actually use. 

Problem: Keeping Track of your Handicap for free

Solution: The Grint

Lets face it, paying $50 to track a handicap in golf using GHIN with poor technology is a waste of money. I am a very traditional golfer and believe in the golf handicapping system, but as a millennial consumer, I can speak that this generation does not see the value in paying $50 to type numbers into a system which calculates a formula.

After college when I stopped playing in competitive events, there was no reason for me to keep a handicap any longer. If you are looking for events that don't require a handicap, check out the City Tour. I still played golf and loved the game, but my game was not at the level needed to retain a GHIN handicap. Step in the Grint, a solution for golfers to track their handicap at no cost to the consumer. The interesting thing about the Grint is that there is no cost, you can take a picture of your scorecard instead of manually typing in scores, the mobile/web technology is quite strong, and the handicap is officially recognized by the USGA. If you are someone that does not understand the handicap system or does not want to pay the $50 fee to track your scores, the Grint is a great solution to your problem. If you are deciding if a traditional or free handicap is right for you, check out this article on golf handicap options.

Problem: I need a mental game coach

Solution: Imagine Golf

Unless your related to a PGA Professional, having a golf coach at your home who can help you think about your game in a positive way is difficult. Many golfers struggle with the mental game more than the physical golf swing and Imagine Golf has come to the table to help golfers improve their mental game. This is one of the best golf apps you will actually use if you are serious about your game and improving the mental side of golf. Imagine Golf is free and provides a daily tip (2-5 minutes each day). They sell audio books from some of the best mental experts in the game and have a premium version of the app where you can get access to as much mental game content and books as you can want. Here is some more info about Imagine Golf.

Problem: Keeping track of side games on the course

Solution: 18birdies

Like many of you, I am a big fan of having a friendly match on the golf course for a few bucks. Depending on who you play with, dots for sandies, birdies, barkies, polies, and whatever else can get overwhelming.

This app is primarily known for their GPS technology, but I have found their side game functionality to be of most useful for me and my friends. When you download the app, you can easily add your friends into the app and keep track of the wagers you have on the course. I recently used the app on a buddies golf trip where there was 16 of us playing 54 holes in 3 days. Keeping track of the tab on who owes who money was difficult and this app helped us keep track of our $1 bets. It shouldn’t be too hard to keep track of this stuff, but many of you who still use the pen and paper to keep track of bets on a buddies golf trip should start using 18birdies. More info on 18birdies