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


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. A multimedia journalist, he has also worked for The Football Association, where he created content to support the England football team, 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 a regular contributor, covering instruction, equipment, travel and feature content. Michael has interviewed many of the game's biggest stars, including seven World No.1s, and has attended and reported on numerous Major Championships and Ryder Cups around the world. He's a member of Formby Golf Club in Merseyside, UK.
-
Andrew Novak And Ben Griffin Seal Maiden PGA Tour Titles At Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
The duo held off the challenges of Rasmus and Nicolai Hojgaard and Frank Capan III and Jake Knapp to win the TPC Louisiana team tournament
By Mike Hall
-
Mao Saigo Claims Maiden Major Title At Chevron Championship Title After Thrilling Five-Way Sudden Death Playoff
The Japanese star made a birdie on the first extra hole at The Club at Carlton Wood as her four challengers faltered
By Mike Hall
-
What Are The Rarest Second Hand Golf Clubs?
We speak to Europe’s largest retailer of second hand golf clubs, and discover this marketplace can be a treasure trove for hidden gems
By Michael Weston
-
3 Reasons To Add A Mini Driver To Your Golf Bag
The mini-driver has been popping up in more and more bags on professional tours all around the world in recent months. Could you be missing out if you haven't tried one yet?
By Joe Ferguson
-
Building The Ultimate Callaway Golf Bag: Our Favourite Clubs From The Brand’s History
We select the best and most legendary gear that Callaway has ever produced, from driver right through to putter...
By Fergus Bisset
-
Do You Need Stronger-Lofted Irons? The Arguments For And Against
Are you looking for greater distance? We look at the pros and cons of playing irons with stronger lofts
By Michael Weston
-
What Is My Putter Worth?
Is now the time to part with your flatstick? You might be wondering how much it's worth, but there are many factors to consider that will affect its value...
By Michael Weston
-
I Tested 5 New Golf Practice Nets And One Really Stood Out
Joe Ferguson has been looking at some home practice solutions to see which one might best suit your needs and budget
By Joe Ferguson
-
The 7 Biggest Golf Gear Trends In 2025
Take a look at the most popular golf equipment trends of 2025 and why your game may benefit from them
By Sam De'Ath
-
What Club Should Take The 14th Spot In Your Golf Bag?
The Rules say you are allowed to carry 14 clubs so you might as well do so, choosing the right weapon to complete your set-up could change your game.
By Fergus Bisset