Americans check their phone more than 200 times a day, on average — a reflection of how deeply mobile technology has become woven into daily life. And despite golf’s analog nature, that habit extends to the golf course.
As the traditional game continues to modernize and evolve, mobile apps are an increasingly important part of the golf experience, on and off the course.
Among Core golfers — those who play eight or more rounds a year – more than 75% have at least one golf-specific app on their phone. While this proportion is roughly the same as four years ago, there are more than half a million more Core golfers today. The number of Core golfers is at its highest level in almost two decades, with the majority of them embracing the marriage between golf and technology.
Golfers are increasingly turning to their phones not just after a round, but during it.
Consumer surveys show the most meaningful gains in the usage of golf apps – compared to 2020 — are for score posting (+7%), gauging GPS distances and utilizing course guides during play (+7%), and stat tracking and scorekeeping (+13%). The increases reflect a broadening comfort with technology on the course as well as a desire among golfers to bring data-driven insight into their game.
Golf has always been a numbers game, after all, one defined by scores, stats and distances, making it particularly conducive to data tracking and in-depth analysis, for amateurs as well as pros.
With more connected mobile devices in the world than people, it’s understandable that society is being shaped by how we interact with handheld devices. That trend accelerated during the Covid era and extended to the golf world as golfers turned to new ways to book tee times and check in, as well as keeping score, tracking stats, and engaging in social communities.
On the tech side, golf apps have become standard equipment for many, alongside rangefinders and GPS watches. For golfers, the intent is to offer more insight, more convenience and more connection to the game. There’s also greater opportunity for facility operators and golf associations, from an increasing number of tee time booking options and loyalty program connections to integrating handicap posting systems.
Apps in the golf world continue to evolve from accessory to essential, and the numbers suggest the shift will likely continue to accelerate in the years ahead. NGF will be watching and measuring.