How The Apple Watch Can Transform And Improve Your Golfing Experience
A significant update has made the Apple Watch one serious piece of golf kit - one that could take your game to the next level
![golfshot app on apple watch](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/A37JhKBDB6NRinXLcCgv6E-415-80.jpg)
When it comes to gadgets that can help your golf game, it’s probably fair to say that the Apple Watch wouldn’t be that high up on the list of game-improving products. We dare say, for some people, it’s more of a nice thing to have, convenient for tracking how many steps you you’ve done, setting important reminders and sending the odd message.
Of course, some golfers will be well used to using one to help them get round the course in as few shots as possible. Various apps can turn the Apple Watch into a golf GPS, and we all know the benefits owning one of these can have for your game.
There have been a number of advancements in the GPS category in recent times, one of the most significant of which has been the ability for golfers to track every shot they hit.
This function means players can build up a database of their own statistics and identify where their strengths and weaknesses lie. In theory, if you know that you're pushing your mid irons or pulling your drives, for example, you can tailor your practice sessions and work with a PGA pro to make the necessary improvements.
Now, thanks to some very clever minds at Apple and Golfshot, performance analytics has just been taken to the next level.
Let’s talk tech.
The high-frequency motion API released in watchOS 10, which takes advantage of the latest accelerator and gyroscope in Apple Watch to detect rapid changes in velocity and acceleration, has allowed Golfshot to help users improve their golf swing.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
The API released in watchOS 10 helps detect rapid changes in velocity and acceleration to help users improve their golf swing
Put more simply, with the Golfshot app it’s now possible to record the exact moment when the club meets the ball via its recently-launched Swing ID On-Range experience. Meanwhile, Apple Watch sensors provide a comprehensive analysis of the whole swing and allow players to work on rhythm, tempo, transition and wrist path.
In short, it’s as close as you can get to having your own TrackMan at the fraction of the cost. This will make your practice sessions infinitely more productive, giving you a far better chance to perform out on the golf course.
On the course, Golfshot also provides GPS distances, scoring, Auto Shot Tracking, swing analysis, and Auto Strokes Gained all on Apple Watch, so golfers can track every shot and see real-time distances to the green, hazards and targets on more than 46,000 courses across the world. Apple Watch also provides an automated data collection process so users can experience post-round flyover reviews and data analysis on iPhone to understand their game in more detail.
Golfers can keep score and track shot performance using the Golfshot app on Apple watch
Having all these key swing metrics is one thing – being able to interpret what it all means is another. On top of that, if you come to the conclusion that your tempo is off, what can you do about it? As clever as this technology is, it’s not going to play a perfect shot for you.
This is not something that should replace your coach or stop you from having lessons. However, if you’re a serious golfer with a keen understanding of the game, the updated Apple Watch, in combination with what is one of the best golf apps on the market, has the potential to transform both your practice sessions and how you perform out on the course.
Michael has been with Golf Monthly since 2008. As a multimedia journalist, he has also worked for The Football Association, where he created content to support the men's European Championships, The FA Cup, London 2012, and FA Women's Super League. As content editor at Foremost Golf, Michael worked closely with golf's biggest equipment manufacturers, and has developed an in-depth knowledge of this side of the industry. He's now a regular contributor, covering instruction, equipment and feature content. Michael has interviewed many of the game's biggest stars, including six world number ones, and has attended and reported on many Major Championships and Ryder Cups. He's a member of Formby Golf Club.
-
5 Clubs Every High Handicapper Should Consider Using
We take a look at some specialist golf clubs that could really help high-handicap players lower their scores…
By Joe Ferguson Published
-
Charlie Woods Misses Cut In US Junior Amateur Debut
The son of 15-time Major winner Tiger failed to make it through to the knockout stages of the prestigious Oakland Hills event
By Mike Hall Published
-
Demystifying club fitting: A Guide To Better Performance
6 things to consider before going for a custom fitting at PGA TOUR Superstore
By Sam De'Ath Published
-
These New TaylorMade Golf Shoes Might Just Be The Coolest We’ve Seen In 2024
As a fan of 'smart casual' golf shoes, the new TaylorMade x Oliver Cabell collab shoes may be my favorite new look for the summer.
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
I Asked The Golf Monthly Team To Reveal The Best Golf Clubs They’ve Ever Owned. Do You Use Any Of These Beauties?
Golf club technology continues to move on at pace, but some items of equipment will never leave our bags until the day they die. Here, the GM team pick their favourite ever clubs…
By Nick Bonfield Published
-
The 7 Most Useful Items (Not Clubs) All Golfers Should Have In Their Bags This Summer
Clearly, golf clubs are the most important products in your golf bag. But these seven items can help your game in different ways on the course or at the range…
By Nick Bonfield Published
-
Bryson DeChambeau's Golf Gear Through The Years
A rundown of the unique equipment the two-time Major champion has used over the course of his career
By Sam De'Ath Published
-
How Do Women Figure Out What Golf Irons To Buy?
We identify the key factors women should consider when choosing a set of irons
By Carly Frost Published
-
As A Trainer Guy, These New Nike Special Edition Shoes Are Like A Dream!
I love golf trainers and the new Pegasus shoes from Nike might go straight into my regular rotation!
By Joe Ferguson Published
-
I'm Not Usually A Classic Golf Shoe Guy, But These FJ Special Editions Are Too Beautiful To Ignore!
The new 2024 US Open special edition FootJoy shoes are a sight to behold...
By Joe Ferguson Published