Most golfers I know will be glued to their sets this weekend as the Masters unfolds in Augusta. Whether you’re new to the game, a seasoned pro, or just an armchair fan, these five apps are worth adding to your arsenal. For more options, browse the hand-picked apps in the Store’s new Golfing collection.
What golf apps can’t you live without?
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Golf Live
If you’re forced to break away from your TV this weekend, here’s how to take Augusta with you. The free Golf Live app provides real-time leaderboards, the latest news, and schedules of upcoming tournaments. It also takes good advantage of Windows Phone features like text-to-speech and the ability to pin a secondary Live Tiles to Start—in this case for following specific tournaments. Download the app
Golfshot GPS
Some people swear by Golfshot GPS ($19.99) for helping them up their game. The app, which boasts more than 38,000 professionally-mapped courses, can track distances, calculate handicaps, keep score for foursomes, and spit out PGA-quality stats. Buy it here
FreeCaddie Golf GPS
If you’ve already maxed out your budget on green fees, here’s a no-frills free alternative rangefinder app that supplies the distances to the front, center, and back of the green for 22,000 courses worldwide. Download the app
Let’s Golf 2
Break time. Xbox Let’s Golf 2 ($4.99 with trial) from Gameloft offers 108 holes across six exotic locations, ranging from an Aztec temple to Greenland to Kenya. Pick from eight characters—each with its own secret superpower—and then choose one of several fun game options, including Shoot Out elimination mode and Closest to the Pin, in which players put it all on the line with a single shot. Buy it here. (Looking for more great golf games? Check out WP Central’s “Green Jacket” round up today.)
SHOTLY Golf
SHOTLY Golf is like having a caddy in your back pocket. This free and highly-rated app does a little bit of everything—which is both the app’s primary strength and, some reviewers argue, it’s weakness. Features include a GPS rangefinder, detailed scoring and stats, and more. Since the price is right, you might as well give it a shot. Download the app