The Best GPS Tracking Apps For Golf Players In 2021

The game of golf is one that is constantly evolving. A major contributor to this evolution has been the advancement of technology. Now, golf players of all levels can enhance the precision of their putt by tracking the location of the ball in relation to the hole using GPS technology. On top of this, these GPS apps include many other features that assist players with their game. 

If you are a golfer, either novice or pro, and considering how you can best improve your golfing performance, then this is for you.

What Is Golf?

Golf is a game of sport enjoyed by individual players. It takes place on what is known as a golf course or a ‘golfing green’. A golf course is essentially a large body of impeccably well-maintained (and water-thirsty) green grass, with varied hills and features such as trees and ponds, adding to the excitement and variety of the course. Courses typically range in size depending on whether it is a 9-hole or 18-hole game. The bigger 18-hole courses can be as large as 60 hectares and the average-sized ones at 30 hectares. 

The game involves hitting a ball with a club and aiming to get it in or as close to a particular hole as possible, in as few swings as possible. This description might seem slightly simplistic to you if you have been playing the game for years, however, for a novice or someone eager to start the game, it hopefully offers an accessible description. The basic definition of the game of golf, also points to the use of how tracking a location within such a large space could come in handy. 

There is a selection of different sized and shaped clubs in a player’s golf kit that will be used depending on the player’s distance to the hole. The club chosen will also depend on the terrain and obstacles present on the course. So, what does a GPS have to do with all of it? If you are interested in how a GPS tracker can benefit your golf practice, keep on reading.

What Is A GPS Tracker?

GPS stands for a Global Positioning System that tells you where something is in space. It makes use of satellite technology. This system can be built into a device such as a smartphone, a watch, a car, a set of keys, or a stand-alone GPS device. Nowadays, some bulkier GPS devices are less common as they can be found to be cumbersome and unnecessary. In 2021, your most basic smartphones and smartwatches include a GPS, meaning applications that make use of this technology for their functionality, are useful. If you need to get from point A to point B, your GPS will tell you where you are in location to those points and advise on your best route. For official information on GPS tracking by the US Government, you can check out www.gps.gov for interesting updates and further discussions.

How Does A GPS Tracker Help My Golf?

Perhaps you have started to understand the relationship that exists between the game of golf, and being able to track your precise location. Now in a situation with an expert or professional golfer, there would likely be an experienced caddie familiar with the course that would advise on his or her game. A caddie is a person who supports the player by carrying the equipment needed and assists in other ways linked to the game. However, it is unlikely for your average golfer to have a caddie accompany him or her on the course. Hence the use of GPS tracking in the golf world becomes necessary and you would likely want to find and make use of the best golf GPS available. The advantage of knowing how far you are from the next hole means you can make a more informed decision about which club to use for your next swing. For instance, if the hole is a certain number of meters away, you would know to use a particularly thick-set club for your next hit. The available technology also helps to advise you on your strategy, just like having your own caddie.

Now that you are more familiar with the use of GPS tracking in the game of golf, you might understand the need for opting for a suitable GPS application. However, when it comes to choosing which application or device to use to improve your golf game, the options may seem overwhelming and endless. In 2021 where technology is at its peak, it can be challenging to know where to begin looking. Well, read on as you’ve come to the right place.

Types Of GPS Tracking Apps

In terms of how to incorporate GPS into your game, a simple place to start would be to think about whether you would like to make use of your phone or a watch or handheld option during your game. We have narrowed the choice down to these three options as we feel they are the most golfer-friendly choices in terms of ease of use, simplicity, and ergonomic design. Picking between these products will allow you to further narrow down the application that best meets your tracking needs. Think about yourself, your attire during the game, your likes, and dislikes in terms of practicality. 

Which Technology To Pick For My Golfing Needs?

If you, like many golfers, prefer to look sleek and neat to deliver your smoothest swing, then clutter is likely the last thing you need or want. A simple smartwatch option is likely going to suit you best. This merely requires you checking your wrist occasionally before plotting your next move.

However, perhaps a watch is an accessory you deem unsightly to your golf aesthetic, and your familiar smartphone makes for the perfect tracking companion. Your pockets exist for this very reason and allow you to simply slide your device in and out as often as you may need so that you may consult your GPS tracker. Perhaps grab a quick selfie of you on the green while you’re at it.

If you’re a gadget fundi, then a simple, lightweight handheld device that is dedicated to your golf GPS needs might be just what you are after. These devices are easy to use before, during, and after the game. 

Are you still feeling conflicted about the various options? This is not a problem, as you can simply make use of application technology that corresponds with your watch, mobile phone, and/or handheld device allowing you to select what it’s going to be on the day, depending on your mood and circumstances. Oh no! My phone is battery dead. Not an issue as I can just use my watch or handheld device. My black watch strap does not match my white golfers knit. No sweat, I will use another option for tracking my game. 

Garmin

Our pick for the best watch, mobile app, and device to track your game would be Garmin. Garmin offers technology that allows you to pre-download the map of the course where you intend to play. You are then able to monitor your range and location on your wrist or handheld device, or mobile phone. We like the Garmin range because they have more than 40,000 preloaded golf courses from around the world. The application advises you on the best moves for your game, allowing you to monitor your progress and improve. As mentioned above, this does not have to be a one or the other technology decision. We also like Garmin as it can correspond with your mobile phone and you can easily access the app using this device. It backs up all of your information using Bluetooth allowing for effortless and easy storage over time. It also does not require you to pay for regular updates and upgrades, so your initial costs are once-off.

The game of golf in 2021 can be further enhanced by the use of available technology applications. A GPS tracking app that is dedicated to the sport allows players to improve the precision and aim of their swing as if they were accompanied by a personal caddie. There are also useful features that allow the tracking of progress, score, and details linked to the particular game and course. This type of application is useful to players of all levels of expertise and experience, ensuring that everyone has access to his or her best game. There is a selection of options available when choosing the best GPS tracking for your golf needs, and a range of devices that support this technology. So take some time to consider your requirements and how you can make this technology work for you before choosing the best GPS tracking app in 2021.