Which golf leaderboard app is right for your event?
Keeping track of scores during a golf outing or tournament used to mean scribbling on paper scorecards and manually calculating leaderboards. I helped run a charity event for years, and it was the worst. Collecting scorecards. Manually adding scores. Bored golfers waiting around to figure out who won. It sucked.
It led me to build PlayThru. The first time we used the live leaderboard, a huge group of us drove out to watch the second-place team finish their round to see if they could pull off the epic comeback. (They didn't and heard about it!)
The days of paper scorecards are over (mercifully). Mobile golf scoring apps have revolutionized how events are managed, offering real-time scoring, live leaderboards, and various event management features.
With so many options available, choosing the right golf scoring app can be overwhelming, especially since most of the top apps are designed for specific types of events and users.
We’ve compared the top contenders based on key factors such as live leaderboard functionality, ease of use, integration capabilities, pricing, customization, device compatibility, and best use cases.
Please note, these apps are always changing, so information is as accurate as we can tell as of the time of this writing.
The 8 Top Golf Scoring Apps
- Live Leaderboard: Live leaderboards accessible via web browser, short-link or QR code based. TV leaderboards available.
- Ease of Use: 3 step event setup, no app required, simple interface.
- Integration: Standalone web-based platform with add-on features, supports sponsor images.
- Pricing: Free to use for any sized group, paid event add-ons ($10-$35), subscription options ($25-$99).
- Customization: High, full scorecard branding, sponsor exposure features.
- Devices: Web-based, works on any device, no apps to download.
- Best For: Charity outings, golf trips, corporate events, one-time tournaments.
- Live Leaderboard: Interactive leaderboards with a live chat feed.
- Ease of Use: Quick setup, modern UI.
- Integration: Includes tee sheet management, supports sponsor images.
- Pricing: Free up to 8 players, annual subscriptions for larger groups.
- Customization: High (with premium version).
- Devices: iOS, Android, web.
- Best For: Small groups, societies, corporate outings.
- Live Leaderboard: Instant leaderboard updates, push notifications for scoring changes.
- Ease of Use: Event setup can be confusing, easy scoring.
- Integration: Self-contained system, supports handicaps but no external ties.
- Pricing: Free.
- Customization: Minimal – no built-in sponsor branding.
- Devices: iOS, Android, Apple Watch.
- Best For: Casual tournaments, buddy trips, leagues.
- Live Leaderboard: Live scoring with social features, 25+ game types.
- Ease of Use: Easy, ideal for casual rounds.
- Integration: Limited external integrations, focuses on social play.
- Pricing: Free features, Gold membership is ~$20 for one month, or ~$5.23 per year.
- Customization: Low (free version), moderate (club version).
- Devices: iOS, Android, Apple Watch.
- Best For: Social golf groups, leagues.
- Live Leaderboard: Dynamic mobile and web leaderboards, used in celebrity and pro-am events.
- Ease of Use: Simple for players, organizers may need help.
- Integration: Integrates GPS and manual handicap input.
- Pricing: Free features, premium account for ~$62.99/year or ~$8.81/month.
- Customization: High – customizable for corporate events.
- Devices: iOS, Android, and web.
- Best For: Corporate outings, charity events, buddy trips.
- Live Leaderboard: Real-time scoring with a public event website.
- Ease of Use: Requires demo before creating a scorecard. Easy scoring.
- Integration: Includes player registration, sponsorship integration.
- Pricing: Free but asks to sell Technology Sponsor and they keep first $750 raised.
- Customization: High – built for sponsor exposure.
- Devices: iOS, Android, and web.
- Best For: Charity tournaments and fundraisers.
- Live Leaderboard: Used by professional tours, real-time updates.
- Ease of Use: Best for organizers, setup is complex.
- Integration: Strong handicap system integration, supports online registration.
- Pricing: Different products at different prices. Enterprise pricing, annual or per-event contracts.
- Customization: Moderate – branding available for host organizations.
- Devices: Mobile apps and web.
- Best For: Professional tournaments and high-level amateur competitions.
- Live Leaderboard: Real-time, multi-format leaderboards with TV display capabilities.
- Ease of Use: Powerful, but requires training for full use.
- Integration: Deep integration with GHIN and golf industry systems.
- Pricing: Subscription-based (club license, premium version available).
- Customization: High – supports custom event sites and sponsor branding.
- Devices: iOS, Android, and web.
- Best For: Private clubs, golf associations, and formal competitions.
Which Golf Scoring App Should You Choose?
Each of these apps serves a specific niche, so the best choice depends on your event’s needs:
- For professional tournaments → Golf Genius or BlueGolf.
- For charity fundraisers → PlayThru or GolfStatus.
- For corporate or social events → PlayThru, VPAR or Golfify.
- For groups that play regularly → Golf GameBook, Squabbit, or Golfify.
- For quick and easy event setup with no app downloads → PlayThru.
By considering your budget, tech savviness of participants, event format, and customization needs, you can choose the right platform to make your golf event a success!
.svg)
