GPS rangefinder apps can calculate the distance to any point on a golf course. They help you improve your golf game by providing data-driven metrics for every stroke.

Smartphone apps may not be as detailed or comprehensive as handheld golf GPS maps, but they still deliver plenty of functionality. Just be wary of how much power you’re using, as they can drain batteries fairly quickly!

Pay attention to the scorecard and stats-tracking features on each app. Some have more in-depth functionality in these categories than others.

Golfshot: Golf GPS + Caddie

Golfshot has some top-of-the-line features but sets itself apart with best-in-class stats tracking and graphing. The app automatically creates superb color graphics for fairways hit and missed, greens in regulation, sand saves, putts per hole, and more.

  • Massive international database of courses.

  • Optional auto-handicapping feature.

  • Quickly drains battery life.

  • Unreliable syncing between the iPhone and Apple Watch apps.

Golfshot now comes in two editions: Classic and Plus Scorecard and Tee Times. The Plus edition is compatible with Apple Watch and includes improved graphics and flyovers.

The course database includes 40,000-plus courses and is always free to update.

Additional features include:

  • Zoomable aerial view with “TruePoint” touch targeting.Shot distance tracking.Automatic course handicap calculator.Emailed scorecards.Targets and hazards distances.HD support for iPad.Stat visualizations.

Hole19 GPS Rangefinder and Scorecard

Hole19 golf GPS provides a lot of bang for zero bucks, in that it’s free. We played a few rounds with Hole19, and found it comparable to many excellent apps that cost up to $30. 

  • Sync with your laptop using the online clubhouse feature.

  • Personalize player profiles with pictures.

  • Difficult to navigate.

  • Occasional bugs.

The core of Hole19’s functionality ​is its flyover view and distances screens. The flyover screen includes an aerial view of the hole, with total distance to the pin displayed in the top right. You can tap a target icon and drag it to any point on the hole to get a distance to a fairway bunker, water hazard, or some other landmark.

From the flyover screen, you can open a menu that presents simple numerical readings to the front, center, and back of the green, as well as the hole number and par. You can also tap to set a starting point for shot distance tracking.

GolfLogix Golf GPS + Putt Line

GolfLogix has steadily improved its golf GPS iPhone app. The latest version has a sharp, bright, easy-to-use interface built from the ground up for the iPhone.

  • Extensive customization.

  • Light on battery consumption.

  • Annoying pop-up ads.

  • Technical support gets mixed reviews.

Aerial views give a great look at each hole, and a summary screen provides the distance to the center of the green, layup distances, and the distance to various hazards.

The scorecard is easy to use and has the look of a paper scorecard. You can easily measure shot distances with the GolfLogix app, and the stats utility captures and graphs a number of stats, including fairways hit, greens hit, and greens in regulation. It also includes free handicap tracking.

Mobitee Golf GPS Rangefinder Scorecard

Mobitee is one of the top-downloaded golf GPS apps for iPhone. There are versions for both iPhone and iPad. It’s free and includes satellite and aerial views of each hole, as well as video flyovers for many holes. Golfers also like its simple, easy-to-use interface. Here are some of the features it offers:

  • Powered by Google Maps.

  • Email your score cards to friends.

  • Doesn’t track fairways hits.

  • No Apple Watch support.

  • Register distances you play at each club.Track scoring for up to four players. Set handicap to get net scores.Distance to hole with ​a moveable target.Search, list, and show nearby courses on the map.Rangefinder view with distances on-screen.

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