Best Golf Trip App (2026)
Five apps that can run a buddies golf trip, what each costs, and which group each one suits.
By: MATCHUPS Editorial Team | Updated November 7, 2026 | 8 min read
Disclosure: The Trip Sheet is made by the MATCHUPS team, so MATCHUPS is our top pick and we say so. Details on other apps come from their own websites and app store pages, checked in November 2026.
Planning a golf trip is the easy part. Keeping score across four rounds is not.
We read each app's own site and store page and wrote down what it actually does. Pick the one that fits your group.
At a glance
| App | Platforms | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATCHUPS | iPhone + Apple Watch | Free. Tournament hosting free for 4 players, $49.99 one-time for 8 or 12 | Groups of friends on iPhone who want a trip that feels like an event |
| Squabbit | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch (App Store listing) | Free core (unlimited players). Tournament Pro $29.99/event or $99.99/yr | Organizers who want one free tool for trips, leagues and outings |
| Golf Genius Trip Manager | App + trip website | $149 per trip (up to 36 players, 12 rounds) | Big established trips with a commissioner and a budget |
| 18Birdies | iPhone + Android, Wear OS | Free tournaments and leagues. Optional Premium | Mixed iPhone and Android groups |
| Golf GameBook | iOS + Android | Free app. Tournaments and Reds vs Blues need Gold | Trips that want a social feed and team match play |
Our picks
1. MATCHUPSOur app
Best for: Groups of friends on iPhone who want a trip that feels like an event. Casual formats, two-team trip tournaments over 1–5 rounds, Apple Watch GPS, a live lock-screen scoreboard and end-of-trip awards.
2. Squabbit
Best for: Organizers who want one free tool for trips, leagues and outings. Free core app with many formats, including Ryder Cup and Stableford. GPS, group chat and handicap updates.
3. Golf Genius Trip Manager
Best for: Big established trips with a commissioner and a budget. $149 per trip. Trip website, pairings and real-time leaderboards for up to 36 players.
4. 18Birdies
Best for: Mixed iPhone and Android groups. Free tournaments with live leaderboards. Side games like Skins, Nassau and Wolf.
5. Golf GameBook
Best for: Trips that want a social feed and team match play. Multi-round tournaments and Reds vs Blues with Gold membership. iOS and Android.
How to pick a golf trip app
- Count your group. Two even teams? Look for a team cup mode.
- Check phones. Anyone on Android rules out iPhone-only apps.
- Decide on side games. If you need Nassau or Wolf, pick an app that lists them.
- Set a budget. Split a per-trip fee across the group before you buy.
What MATCHUPS does not do
No Android. No Nassau, Wolf or Stableford. No GHIN sync. Tournaments are exactly two equal teams of 4, 8 or 12 players. If you need any of that, pick another app above.
FAQ
What is the best golf trip app?
For iPhone groups who want a trip tournament with awards, MATCHUPS. For a free all-rounder, Squabbit. For big trips with a budget, Golf Genius Trip Manager.
Is there a free golf trip app?
Yes. MATCHUPS, Squabbit and 18Birdies are free to download. MATCHUPS hosting is free for 4 players.
Does MATCHUPS work on Android?
No. MATCHUPS is iPhone and Apple Watch only. Android groups should look at 18Birdies or Golf GameBook.
Can I play Nassau or Wolf in MATCHUPS?
Not yet. 18Birdies lists both as side games.
How many rounds can a MATCHUPS trip tournament have?
One to five rounds.
More reading
- How to Plan a Golf Trip in 8 Weeks
- Golf Trip Budget: How to Split Costs Without Drama
- Golf Trip App vs Spreadsheet: What Actually Works
- How Many Rounds Should You Play on a Golf Trip?
- MATCHUPS vs Golf Genius Trip Manager
- MATCHUPS vs Squabbit for a Golf Trip
Editor's note: The Trip Sheet is made by the team behind MATCHUPS, a free golf app for iPhone and Apple Watch. Get MATCHUPS on the App Store or read more at matchupsgolf.com.