7 Best Free Golf GPS Apps for Android, iPhone & Apple Watch (2025)
How many times have you stepped up to a shot and thought, “This looks like a 9-iron,” only to fly the green—or come up embarrassingly short? It’s one of the most frustrating parts of golf: not knowing the exact distance, especially when every stroke counts.
Now here’s the reality—over 36% of amateur golfers now use GPS apps during play, according to a 2024 Golf Datatech report. That number has nearly doubled in just four years. Why? Because these apps give you real-time, accurate distances to the green, hazards, and fairways without needing expensive gear.
But despite how common and advanced these tools have become, millions of players still rely on guesswork—not because they want to, but because they think reliable GPS apps are expensive or complicated.
The good news? That’s no longer true. In 2025, some of the best golf GPS apps are completely free, and many work seamlessly on Android, iPhone, and even Apple Watch. No subscriptions. No hardware. Just smarter golf.
And if you frequently play on rural or remote courses, you’ll want to check out our guide to offline GPS apps that work without internet.
In this post, we’ll break down the top free golf GPS apps you can start using today to lower your scores, play with confidence, and finally stop second-guessing your distance.
What Is a Golf GPS App and Why Should You Care?
If you’ve ever second-guessed your club choice because you weren’t sure how far the green was—you’re not alone. That’s exactly the problem a golf GPS app solves.
In simple terms, a golf GPS app uses your phone or smartwatch to show you the distance to the pin, hazards, bunkers, and other key spots on the course. It’s like having a digital caddie in your pocket—minus the awkward small talk.
These apps pull data from satellites and overlay it on real course maps, so you get real-time, accurate yardages no matter where you’re standing. Most also come with features like digital scorecards, shot tracking, stat summaries, and even club suggestions based on how you’ve played before.
In 2025, golf GPS apps have gotten so good that you don’t even need to pay for them. Plenty of top-rated options are completely free—and they work great on Android, iPhone, and smartwatches like the Apple Watch.
So if you’re still relying on guesswork or trying to eyeball distances, it might be time to upgrade your game—without upgrading your budget.
Best Free Golf GPS Apps for Android, iPhone & Apple Watch
Golf GPS apps have come a long way, and in 2025, you don’t need to pay a dime to get premium-like features. From real-time distance tracking to scorecards, shot analysis, and even smartwatch support, these apps can seriously level up your game—without costing a cent.
Below, you’ll find our handpicked list of the best free golf GPS apps across Android, iPhone, and Apple Watch. We’ve included a brief overview for each, key features, pricing info, supported platforms, and direct download links to get you started quickly.
1. The Grint – Best for Handicap Tracking & Social Golfing
The Grint is more than just a GPS app—it’s a full golf companion that’s USGA-compliant and ideal for golfers who want to track their handicap officially. With a clean interface, live scoring, and excellent social features, it’s perfect for competitive groups and casual players alike. You also get free access to GPS on over 40,000 courses worldwide, including smaller local tracks and international layouts.
You’ll need to create a free account to unlock all the features, including GPS rangefinder, scoring, and handicap syncing. While the GPS works best with internet access, you can preload course data and use it offline as well. The free version has occasional ads, but they’re minimal and don’t interrupt gameplay.
Key Features:
- GPS distances to front, center, and back of the green on 40,000+ courses globally
- Digital scorecard with tracking for Skins, Stableford, Match Play, and more
- USGA-compliant handicap tracking for serious and social players alike
- Live scoring and real-time leaderboards to compete with friends during play
- Shot and stat tracking for FIR, GIR, putts, and scoring breakdowns per round
Pricing:
Free with optional premium upgrade ($19.99/year for advanced analytics and scoring tools)
Available Platforms:
Android, iPhone, Apple Watch
Download Links:
Download on Google Play
Download on App Store
2. 18Birdies – Best for Game Improvement and AI-Powered Features
18Birdies stands out for its modern design, community-driven features, and smart tools that go beyond just yardage. It’s built for golfers who want to track their progress, get real-time coaching, and connect with others. The app offers a free GPS rangefinder, scoring, round history, and shot tracking, plus fun features like side games and leaderboards.
What makes it unique is the AI-powered suggestions—you’ll get club recommendations and personalized insights based on your playing history. While internet access enhances the experience, preloaded course data means you can still use it offline. You’ll need to create a free account, and while there are ads, they’re limited and non-intrusive.
Key Features
- GPS rangefinder with accurate distances and touch-to-target mapping on 40,000+ courses
- AI-powered club recommendations based on your shot history and tendencies
- Digital scorecard with stat tracking for putts, fairways, greens, and more
- Side games, leaderboards, and challenges to make every round more fun
- Personalized performance summaries and progress tracking after every round
Pricing
Free with optional premium plan ($9.99/month or $99/year for strokes gained, advanced AI tools, and 3D maps)
Available Platforms
Android, iPhone, Apple Watch
Download Links
Download on Google Play
Download on App Store
3. Golf Logix – Best for Green View and 3D Hole Maps
Golf Logix is ideal for golfers who want a visual edge on the course. It offers detailed 3D maps, precise GPS distances, and even green contour heat maps that help you read breaks before you even step up to putt. The free version gives you access to GPS yardages and basic scorekeeping, while premium users unlock full 3D green views.
One standout feature is its Approach View, which shows you the exact angle to the green, hazards, and landing zones—great for planning shots more strategically. The app covers over 35,000 courses and works well with offline access if you download your course in advance. You’ll need a free account to get started, and ads are present but not overwhelming.
Key Features
- 3D hole maps with Approach View to visualize greens, bunkers, and hazards
- GPS yardages to front, center, and back of the green for over 35,000 courses
- Score tracking and round history to keep tabs on your game over time
- Green heat maps and putt breaks available in the paid version for reading greens better
- Ability to download courses in advance and use GPS features offline
Pricing
Free with limited 3D features; Premium plan ($49.99/year) unlocks green reading and advanced visuals
Available Platforms
Android, iPhone
Download Links
Download on Google Play
Download on App Store
4. SwingU – Best All-in-One Golf GPS App for Apple Watch and Beginners
SwingU (formerly SwingxSwing) is one of the most downloaded free golf GPS apps in the world—and for good reason. It combines ease of use with accuracy, making it a top choice for beginners and casual golfers alike. The app offers GPS yardages, digital scoring, stat tracking, and personalized performance insights—all without needing a paid subscription.
It supports over 34,000 golf courses worldwide, and unlike many competitors, the core features remain 100% free with no trial period or hidden paywall. One of its biggest perks is Apple Watch integration, letting you check yardages, enter scores, and track shots right from your wrist.
SwingU also includes basic strokes gained analysis, helping you identify where you’re losing shots in your game—tee, approach, short game, or putting. While premium users unlock deeper analytics, green maps, and virtual coaching, the free version is fully functional on its own. You can even preload courses for offline use.
Key Features
- GPS yardages to front, center, and back of the green across 34,000+ global courses
- Apple Watch support to track distances, enter scores, and record stats from your wrist
- Digital scorecard and stat tracking for fairways, greens, putts, and scrambling
- Basic strokes gained analysis to help pinpoint weaknesses in your game
- Works offline after downloading the course; no internet needed during play
Pricing
Completely free with no time limit; Premium version ($99/year) includes green maps, coaching, and strokes gained deep dive
Available Platforms
Android, iPhone, Apple Watch
Download Links
Download on Google Play
Download on App Store
5. Golfshot – Best Visual Experience and Smartwatch Integration
Golfshot is a feature-rich golf GPS app built for players who love visuals and stats. It delivers real-time distances, high-quality aerial views, and auto shot tracking, making it ideal for both casual rounds and serious score improvement.
What truly sets Golfshot apart is its deep integration with Apple Watch and Wear OS—allowing full course management without ever touching your phone.
The free version gives you access to GPS distances, scorecards, and basic stat tracking on over 45,000 golf courses worldwide. You can also receive club suggestions and real-time feedback after each shot if you upgrade. Even better, the app works well offline; just download your course in advance.
While it requires account setup, Golfshot is easy to navigate and doesn’t overwhelm new users. Ads are minimal and don’t disrupt gameplay.
If you’re someone who enjoys visual layouts, heatmaps, and round planning, Golfshot is hard to beat. For more feature-rich offline navigation apps, you might also like CoPilot GPS, which is great for road and route planning.
Key Features
- Real-time GPS yardages and 3D flyover previews for 45,000+ courses globally
- Apple Watch and Wear OS support for score entry, distances, and shot tracking
- Auto shot tracking and club suggestions in premium version
- Digital scorecard with performance summaries after each round
- Offline use available after preloading course data to your device
Pricing
Free with optional Golfshot Pro ($39.99/year) for club tracking, 3D flyovers, and AR green views
Available Platforms
Android, iPhone, Apple Watch, Wear OS
Download Links
Download on Google Play
Download on App Store
6. Hole19 – Best for Clean Design and Fast, Reliable Performance
Hole19 is one of the most user-friendly golf GPS apps out there, making it a great pick for golfers who want a clean interface and easy navigation. It delivers accurate GPS yardages, digital scorekeeping, and round summaries on over 43,000 golf courses worldwide. The app is fast, lightweight, and doesn’t drain your phone’s battery like some heavier alternatives.
What makes Hole19 stand out is its focus on simplicity. You won’t find complicated menus or overwhelming data—just the tools you need to get through your round with confidence. It also syncs smoothly with Apple Watch, letting you check yardages and scores from your wrist. Offline support is available when courses are downloaded in advance, and while you’ll need a free account to get started, the setup is quick.
The free version includes everything most players need, but you can upgrade for advanced stats, shot tracking, and auto-scoring.
Key Features
- Accurate GPS distances for over 43,000 courses with a sleek, modern interface
- Digital scorecard with stats like GIR, fairways hit, and total putts
- Apple Watch integration for checking yardages and entering scores on the go
- Performance summaries and round history for tracking progress over time
- Offline use available with preloaded course maps and data
Pricing
Free with optional Premium Pro ($49.99/year) for shot tracking, distance averages, and handicap trends
Available Platforms
Android, iPhone, Apple Watch
Download Links
Download on Google Play
Download on App Store
7. Golf Pad GPS – Best for Offline Play and Shot Tracking Without a Smartwatch
Golf Pad GPS is a powerful and lightweight app that’s ideal for golfers who want solid shot tracking, fast GPS yardages, and offline functionality—all without needing extra hardware like a smartwatch or smart tags. It covers over 40,000 courses worldwide and includes free features that rival some paid alternatives.
The app offers one of the best offline experiences—just download your course beforehand and you’re set, even without mobile data. Golf Pad also includes club recommendations, scoring for up to four players, and tee-to-green distance tracking. While it offers optional smart sensor pairing (Golf Pad TAGS), you don’t need them to enjoy the full free experience.
Account creation is required but quick, and ads are kept to a minimum. It’s great for Android users in particular, but works well on iOS too.
Key Features
- GPS yardages with overhead hole maps and touch-based distance measurement
- Full shot tracking and club recommendations based on previous rounds
- Supports offline mode by downloading course data in advance
- Tracks stats like GIR, FIR, scrambling, and putting average
- Optional pairing with Golf Pad TAGS for automatic shot detection
Pricing
Free with optional premium upgrade ($19.99/year) for advanced stats, club averages, and smartwatch sync
Available Platforms
Android, iPhone
Download Links
Download on Google Play
Download on App Store
Is There a Standalone Golf App for Apple Watch?
Yes—several golf GPS apps now work directly on the Apple Watch, even without needing your phone nearby during play. These apps allow you to check yardages, enter scores, and track your performance—all from your wrist.
Once your course is preloaded via your phone, these apps operate independently, making them perfect for golfers who prefer minimal distractions.
Here are the best free golf GPS apps that support standalone Apple Watch functionality:
- Golfshot – Offers real-time GPS yardages, shot tracking, and scoring directly from the Apple Watch without needing your phone nearby.
- SwingU – Simple and reliable GPS tracking and score input from your wrist. Great for quick, no-fuss rounds.
- Hole19 – Lightweight and effective. Once the course is loaded, it works offline on your watch for the entire round.
Tip: Always download the course on your phone before the round to enable full offline GPS use.
Apple Watch Golf Swing Analyzer – Do GPS Apps Track Your Swing?
If you’re searching for a golf swing analyzer that works with Apple Watch, it’s important to know that most GPS apps don’t directly track swing motion. However, some do offer swing coaching features or pair well with external tools.
- 18Birdies – Provides AI-powered swing tips and coaching insights based on your stats and performance history (though not a motion analyzer).
- Golfshot Premium – Syncs with Apple Health and other tools to give feedback, but does not provide full swing motion analysis.
- Best Pairings – For actual swing tracking, use dedicated apps like Zepp Golf, Blast Golf, or Golf SwingPlane. These utilize Apple Watch sensors to analyze swing tempo, speed, and angles.
To get the best of both worlds, pair your GPS app with a swing analyzer for complete feedback on both your strategy and mechanics.
FAQs About Free Golf GPS Apps
Are free golf GPS apps accurate?
Yes, most free golf GPS apps use the same satellite data as paid versions and provide yardages accurate to within a few yards. Accuracy may vary slightly by device and course, but for the vast majority of golfers, they’re more than reliable enough.
Can I use a golf GPS app without internet or data?
Yes, many apps allow you to download course data ahead of time so you can use them offline during your round. Just make sure to preload the course while connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
What’s the best golf GPS app for Apple Watch?
Golfshot, SwingU, and Hole19 are among the top picks for Apple Watch. They offer real-time yardages, score input, and standalone watch support—ideal if you want to leave your phone in the bag.
Do I need a subscription to use these apps?
No, each app listed in this post has a fully functional free version. Premium subscriptions unlock extra features like shot tracking, strokes gained analysis, or green heat maps, but the core GPS and scoring tools are free.
Do these apps work for beginners?
Absolutely. Most of these apps are designed with simple interfaces and intuitive scorecards. You can start using them with zero learning curve—even on your first round.
Can I track my swing with these apps?
Not directly. Apps like 18Birdies offer coaching tips, but for full swing motion analysis, you’ll want a dedicated swing analyzer app that pairs with Apple Watch or other sensors.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need an expensive rangefinder or a high-end smartwatch to improve your game. In 2025, some of the best golf GPS apps are completely free—and they offer features that were once only available to tour pros. Whether you want simple distance tracking, round summaries, or full game analytics, there’s a free app out there that fits your needs.
From The Grint’s official handicap tracking to Golfshot’s stunning visuals and SwingU’s all-in-one simplicity, every app on this list can help you play smarter, lower your score, and enjoy your rounds more.
So stop second-guessing your yardages. Download one of these free golf GPS apps today and see what a difference a few taps can make on your scorecard.
Which app will you try first? Let us know in the comments or share your favorite picks with fellow golfers.
