Best Golf Shot Tracking Apps And Devices: Quick Menu
1. Quick List
2. How We Test
3. How To Choose
4. FAQs
Artificial Intelligence has changed the way we play golf in the 21st century and, thanks to an array of golf GPS apps and tracking devices, individuals can see their stats like never before, accessing all kinds of data about their game to really pinpoint where strengths and weaknesses lie. They are fantastic bits of kit and can really help you improve and lose strokes out on the course. What's more, they aren't overly expensive or awkward to use, with many devices coming in compact forms or focusing on simplicity.
Lots of the devices and apps in this guide also use A.I. and Strokes Gained Analysis to help you understand exactly where you can make up those all important shots. Below, we list the best golf shot tracking apps and devices on the market to help you pick which is best for you. Also, we recommend taking a look at our other golf GPS guides too - such as the best golf GPS apps, best golf launch monitors, or the best golf GPS.
The Quick List
Ultimately, the Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors provide performance insights previously only available to tour pros. The ‘strokes gained’ analytics provide in-depth insights into your performance, and there are even tips from world-class coaches.
The graphics are brilliant and it’s easy to track shots and input data thanks to the extra buttons. When paired with the app, the driving zone feature is also really cool and it’s stylish. Undoubtedly the price tag will put many people off but it's undoubtedly one of the most feature-packed GPS watches out there.
Whether or not you feel paying for Caddie Link in addition to the sensors is worth it depends on how comfortable you are with having your phone in your pocket but we found it made a big difference in terms of comfort and convenience. In addition, the Strokes Gained Analytics platform provides tour-like insights.
A clever device for driven golfers looking to improve all elements of their swing and ball striking. While a few things need to be ironed out from a user experience point of view, the Blast Golf Swing Analyser has the potential to transform the way you practice.
A compact GPS that provides shot tracking functionality, the H4 GPS is a superb performer that usually features alongside the Shot Scope Pro LX+, a device that is the first of its kind in offering the pinpoint accuracy of some of the best golf rangefinders out there.
Coming in at £545, it costs a similar amount to a personal launch monitor, so it’s ideal for golfers that are more interested in what their body is doing versus what the ball is doing and it should lead to more effective swing changes for the golfer looking to improve.
Best Golf Shot Tracking Apps and Devices
Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors
Arccos is one of, if not the best game tracking systems, on the market. It measures all the data you can possibly need thanks to Arccos Smart Sensors in the end of your clubs. For some clubs, like Cobra and Ping, they already come with them fitted into the grips. Typically, you will need to keep your phone in your left pocket (for a right-handed player) for the sensors to work, but you can purchase the Arccos Caddie Link which clips on to your belt and removes the need for having your phone in your pocket if this is too uncomfortable.
The system, which is one of the best golf gives you information on how far you hit each club. It also provides real-time yardages taking slope, wind speed, temperature, humidity and altitude into the equation. The caddie advice, powered by your data, shows your likely shot outcome and recommends a club for you to hit based on your previous performance. Pair it up with the Arccos Caddie application, one of the best GPS golf apps in the game and take advantage of the data and analysis the app delivers.
- Read our full Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors Review
TAG Heuer Connected Golf Edition
This premium, luxury watch features an ultra-lightweight 45-mm black titanium case and a matte black ceramic bezel with 18 engraved and lacquered graduations that serve as a reference for the performance at each hole. The crown is now flanked by two functional pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock, to be used alongside the TAG Heuer Golf app to record shots and shot distances with optimal precision in action. Another thing worth mentioning is the graphics.
The hole maps are really clear and, now that you can twist the main dial to scroll, it’s really straightforward to pick out certain points you want to hit to. One of the most interesting features on the Connected Golf Edition is the ‘driving zone’ feature. Once you’ve connected the watch to the app, this feature will plot all your drives on a certain hole and colour code the positions based on your scores. Oh and it has to be one of the best looking golf watches out there too and comes in a box with three TAG Heuer golf balls, four TAG Heuer tees, a divot tool and additional black strap.
- Read our full TAG Heuer Connected Golf Edition Review
Arccos Caddie Link
Sticking with Arccos and the new Caddie Link, which has made a huge difference to the usability of the app and trackers. It clips easily on to your belt or trouser pocket and pairs to your phone via Bluetooth. This means that you can now store your phone away in your golf bag and get on with your round whilst only accessing the Arccos app on your phone for yardages and caddie advice functions if you want.
Using the Caddie Link allows for an even more seamless integration with the Arccos Caddie Smart Grips and app which we loved. This is because we didn't need to keep our smartphone in our pocket anymore. When on course, pressing the centre Caddie Link when next to the pin will also log the exact location of the pin on the app, allowing for even more accurate data when logging your short game. It lasts 10 hours, so should be enough for 36 holes, although if it runs out of juice you can switch back to your phone.
- Read our full Arccos Caddie Link Review
Blast Golf Swing Analyser
The Blast Golf Swing Analyser is a sensor that attaches to the grip of any golf club and gathers data about your swing. Alongside the free app, the swing analyser captures an incredible amount of data about your golf swing and quickly feeds back that information so you can work on things like tempo and attack angle to achieve a better swing.
It is seriously impressive, however, it can be initially an overwhelming experience if you are not familiar to the game of golf, or a newcomer. However, if you know statistics like angle of attack, swing tempo ratios and peak hand speed, this device will feed the data-centric way of improving your golf swing.
Once setup, it is quite simple to use, as a simple red, amber and green banner lets you know when you’re in the right part of a specific metric. It really is a fantastic way to practice with some intent on the range, as opposed to aimlessly hitting balls.
- Read our full Blast Golf Swing Analyser Review
Shot Scope H4 GPS
A compact GPS that provides shot tracking functionality, the H4 GPS is a superb performer that usually features alongside the Shot Scope Pro LX+, a device that is the first of its kind in offering the pinpoint accuracy of some of the best golf rangefinders out there, while offering the convenience of a hand-held golf GPS device and shot tracking performance analysis.
In this piece though, we are specifically looking at the H4 GPS, which is a very compact piece of kit that not only charges quickly, but can locate the golf course that you are playing in seconds. From there, the H4 GPS provides a wealth of information, such as distances to reach and carry bunkers, hazards and lay ups, as well as the usual distances to the front, middle and back of the green. However, the device also tracks your shots and, because it is pocket-sized, it isn't at all distracting.
Being easy to use, all you have to do after your round is sync the collected data to the app via your smartphone - it takes a few seconds and our testing showed that it hardly missed a shot. It even added in a drive off the tee by default when we’d forgotten to tag it and flagged potential errors, like an out of character 390 yard drive or 40 yard putt.
- Read our full Shot Scope Pro LX+ Review
Dewiz Golf Swing Monitor
Golfers are always looking for ways of improving their swing quickly and, with this Training Aid by Dewiz, you will do just that, as a 3D image of your swing is produced and displayed in the app which you can pair via Bluetooth.
Dewiz was developed by Swedish golf professional Markus Westerberg and Christian Bergh who worked alongside a neuroscientist to integrate the learning stimuli for 15 years. It uses real time biofeedback to help golfers modify their swing and implement changes quickly and more effectively. It comprises of a wristband, which you wear on your lead arm and features an internal motion sensor chip that analyses movement in three dimensions.
Once paired with the app, you are open to a range of data possibilities which include your hand speed at a specific point of your swing, as well as the length of backswing, backswing plane, transition and tempo. The transition analysis is especially interesting for slicers, as Dewiz can tell you by how much your swing plane changes when your hands get thrown to the outside at the start of the downswing.
- Read our full Dewiz Training Aid Review
How we test
At Golf Monthly we have a comprehensive testing procedure around golf shot tracking apps and devices. As you would expect, this involves using different models on the course, over a number of rounds and importantly in different conditions too because this gives us an idea on how particular models deal with sunlight, rain and wind.
As the entire team are regular golfers and we these devices usually get a thorough testing and often get compared to others that are available on the market, that way we can give honest and insightful feedback to you, the reader. The final thing we wanted to mention in this section is no manufacturer can buy a good review. Our testing team reviews golf equipment and makes its own opinion on how good or bad the product is. For information on how Golf Monthly tests its products.
How to choose the correct golf shot tracking apps and devices
What are some of the factors that need to be considered when choosing the best golf shot tracking apps and devices...
1. Ease of use
These devices are jam-packed with technology so it is important that they are easy to use. Everybody wants to get the most from their purchases and, with tracking apps and devices, it is no different, with simplicity being the key factor as you use this technology out on the course.
2. Features
It is important for you to know what you want to use the device for. There are many that give information in terms of distance-tracking and accuracy, but are they consistent? Is your 7-iron regularly going the same yardage, or are the distances a bit up-and-down?
Another feature is the consistency of the tracking. If the device keeps missing shots out on the course, you don't want to spend time sorting it out after your round has finished. All of these features are crucial to your enjoyment.
3. Shot tracking features
Shot tracking features and score card functionality are perhaps the most important functions to have in your application and device. These can help you keep track of all the data, stats and information about the shots your playing and you can use this info to help you improve as a golfer.
4. Compete and share rounds with your friends
A lot of applications will also allow you to share scores, data and rounds with friends. You can also access leaderboards with others around the world, connect with golfers and play online in competitions and tournaments with other players. This level of connectivity is a great way to help players increase their social circles and measure themselves against other golfers.
5. GPS maps
Depending on where you're playing and how much you're playing, you're going to want to ensure your GPS golf application and your tracking device has enough courses and the right courses for you. The more courses on it, the better! You'll also want to ensure your application comes with comprehensive and insightful course maps that will help you strategise your way around the golf course.
If you're looking to improve as a player, why not also check out our buyers guides on some of the best golf gadgets and best golf smart watches that you can use alongside these apps to help you play.
FAQs
Can I use my phone as a yardage device?
Yes! Many of the devices listed above can be linked to your smartphone and used as a yardage device. Although you use tags with Arccos, the device's information goes straight to your phone, giving you extremely accurate yardages.
Are golf shot tracking apps and devices good?
We think so, certainly they can help pinpoint the weaknesses and strengths in your game, as well as give you a clearer idea of yardages with your clubs. It's very important that golfers know this information because they can save a lot of shots out on the course and, at the end of the day, who doesn't want to get their handicaps lower!
What is the best golf GPS app?
There are lots of high-quality golf apps on the market right now so the best would come down what a particular person is after. For shot-tracking and data analysis, the Arccos Caddie app is hard to beat, whereas if you want an app with a whole range of features the Motocaddy GPS App is an excellent choice. We have included some more of our favorites in our handy guide.
-
New Balance 997 SL Golf Shoe ReviewNew Balance produce some extremely stylish footwear and, in this review, Matt Cradock takes their spikeless 997 SL onto the course
-
I’ve Been A Single-Figure Golfer For 30 Years. These Are The Seven Keys To Getting (And Keeping) A Low HandicapIt takes time and it takes a bit of work, but there are key techniques and strategies you can employ to reach your golfing goals
-
Want To Improve Your Golf? I Think You Can With These Training Aids During Amazon Prime DayA training aid is a great way of improving your swing and, during Amazon Prime Day, a number of excellent models have significant reductions
-
Best Golf Gadgets 2024From rangefinders to launch monitors, we run through some of the best golf gadgets on the market in this guide.
-
Best Golf Apps For iPhone 2024Golf games, GPS apps and mind coaches, check out the best golf apps for the iPhone.
-
Best Golf Apps For Apple Watch 2024We look at some of the best golf apps for Apple Watch so you can get the most out of your wearable tech
-
Best Golf GPS Apps 2024We run down the best golf GPS apps that offer accurate yardages as well as many other useful features
