Golf Pad GPS App Review! - Golf Test Dummy

[@gametimeflagfootball]

Punch club is a brilliant idea. Thanks for that.

[@grahamdennis2115]

I’ve been using this app for just over 2 years, and love it. Besides everything you have mentioned, the ability to download your stats (in a CSV file) is brilliant, you get really detailed info like the shot outcome (fairway, rough, green etc), yards off centre of the fairway, distance. I use Excel to filter and group data by month, and it gives a real factual statistical insight as to where you are improving, or in my case not! This app is really worth the money.

[@CalvinandHobbes2011]

Just wanted to say that was a terrific review. Well done! I’d really be interested in a follow up review if you get and Apple Watch, then show us all how you use it.

[@jonathanbarr5823]

Regarding the chipping club.. you can actually select which shots apply to your stats. So if they're too low (or too high), it won't affect your true average.

[@Surfbird11]

I do that all the time. If I hit a tree for example, I don't want that averaged with normal shots.

[@judethree6888]

Thanks. Finally someone that knows how to explain stuff right.

[@survivinwithrahlowb8622]

$29.99 in 2022! Nice tutorial, thanks, I have used it 4 rounds, it is amazing. Playing around with the app now trying to get a handle on adding shots I forgot to track,

[@GolfTestDummy]

So glad this was useful!

[@runzola2036]

I been using it for 4 yrs...I love it

[@blakehorn229]

I have used this for 3 years now...cant imagine playing without golfpad premium...its awesome. Tells you what clubs to use and when, accurate maps on every single course I've ever gone to(even bum hick random courses I've found and played). Love it

[@GolfTestDummy]

I always use it now, too. Great app.

[@deanc8077]

Nice review. I've been using it almost since it first came out. Easy to use and track your scores. I use the free app cuz it's free. But your detail on the paid version might be worth the cost. Thanks for sharing your insight. Oh yeah you can use the app on your Android watch for distances I believe that may be part of the paid version.

[@GolfTestDummy]

Yep, and there are tags that you can buy for each club, but I do fine without them

[@tennesseetrash9]

I have used the Golf Pad App for more than 2 years. The chipper setting is for an actual chipper if you have one. Interesting the way you use it. If I use a club such as an 8I for a short chip the app will record it but it will not be blue dotted so it will not be used as part of your yardage. The feature I like that you did not touch on is with the premium service you can pair it to your smart watch and don't have to take the phone out of your pocket. You can also bring up the map on a hole with a pond and the app knows where you are standing and you can see how far to layup. Good review.

[@GolfTestDummy]

Thanks Roger. I have been debating the watch. I haven't made my mind up yet, but would love to try it.

[@stanrowland3700]

Great information - thank you! I have a quick question for you. So if I am using the club yardage feature. And I want to delete the round I played, Will it also delete my club information for that round of golf? Thanks for your help!

[@stephenmilburn7622]

Another great review. This one is especially good because it looks like we shop at the same places. I have the same shirt and have been practicing with the glove.

[@rossmills6888]

I tried using the app today but messed up my club tracking because I kept putting my phone in my pocket and forgetting about it. Then I remembered that you put your phone on the ground. I’ll try that next time. But even without the club tracking, using it to get yardage and keeping score was useful.

[@ianvoce1742]

Thanks for the tip about the Chipper. It will be very useful.

[@mjtague]

Great review. Love the chipper idea. Yes, I see that others say a chip out of the woods won't count, but doing it your way makes sense. I have a Samsung Watch (which you can get cheap now and it holds music, tracks your running, cycling, walking, etc, is a phone, you can send messages, etc). There is a later version, but I bought my wife the Samsung Watch and she absolutely loves it. Love the ability to just look at my watch and it's big enough to see without my reading glasses (I'm 60). I have only played 2 rounds, but the tags are worth the price. I don't need to fiddle with my watch, find the club and switch it. Just touch the club to my phone, here the sound and I'm ready to hit. The stats are an eye opener cuz it is giving me real distances, so I'm sure my game will only improve as I get more rounds in on the app. Thanks for the review!

[@GolfTestDummy]

Man thanks for all of the info! I hadn't even looked into how the tags work, since they were expensive. But I have gone back and forth on the watch. I'm leaning toward buying it now.

[@henrywong3346]

I've been using the Golf Pad app and upgraded to the premium version based on this video. Can you do a video on using the aerial map to strategize with hazards? I use an I phone; so, there aren't yellow dots as on an Android phone.

[@birdman5jh]

I've been using that app for probably 3 years. I also like the satellite map feature. Can be hard to see in bright sunlight but you can get distances to hazards and such just by touching the map in the right place.

[@S.forbes]

Great app was using it for a couple of years, just recently bought a shot scope v3. You should definitely get a smart watch to use with the app as it saves alot of time on the course. You still have input/track your shot into the watch but it is alot more convenient that having to pull out your phone on every shot. Good review 👍🏾👏🏾

[@GolfTestDummy]

I'm looking in to that. Hard to choose a smart watch for me.

[@S.forbes]

@@GolfTestDummy yeah I was the same. I bought a Galaxy Gear S3 Frontier. It's at the lower end spec wise but it worked perfectly with the App and was not as expensive as some of the higher spec versions.

[@GolfTestDummy]

Thanks so much for that suggestion. That helps.

[@S.forbes]

@@GolfTestDummy No probs 👍🏾

[@Bigdaddy078]

How do you compre this to the shot scope v3? Debating but it's $20 vs 219 lol Does the app display how far you hit the ball etc?

[@vicenteperez2152]

The middle number is to the pin which you can move around if you tap on it to give better accuracy.

[@tngolfgame]

So, is it a must that you lay the phone on the ground for each shot or can you keep it in your pocket. Laying in on the ground for most shots would be OK but not for every putt, it seems like the others in the group would not appreciate that.

[@BoomerBlogging]

Between COVID and other health reasons, I haven't hit a ball in over 4 years. That all changes tomorrow. I am heading out with my G10 irons, Adams Driver, Cleveland 3 Wood, and hopefully a slower and balanced swing. If you had to give one major thing to keep in balance what would that be?

[@GolfTestDummy]

Distances to the vast majority of the golfing world seems to be synonymous with skill. Meaning, if you hit 7 iron 185, you're skilled. Don't get caught up in that garbage, and don't seek out speed in exchange for predictability. Play within your known skillset.

[@jeremymaarman2949]

Gosh I missed your videos. Sorry been off the grid for a while. Loved the review.

[@GolfTestDummy]

Thanks J!

[@watchalert]

Good Video. ...sorry did not get your name. Did u find the Golf Pad Tag necessary ? Is that worth it for additional $120

[@rogerwhite7719]

Suggestion for next swing project: Mike Adams and Terry Rowles Bioswing dynamics. David Edel for putting.

[@karlditt]

First off I purchased the premium edition but personally I do not want to spend time taking my phone with me and messing with keeping the stats. This app figures distance by considering elevation, wind and weather plus it recommends the club to hit and that is the main con of the current app. It will not let you enter the distances you normally hit your clubs, you have to use tracking on 10 rounds and accumulate the data before that becomes accurate. IMO all the developer needs to do is let me enter my club distances manually and then when the plays like distance calculates have the app look up what club I need for that distance. I would give the app 3 stars until they add that feature. I am on the course to play golf not enter data on my phone. I just want to know the plays like distance to the hole, I don't even want to keep score.

[@GolfTestDummy]

I can relate to that. It is a bit of a pain keeping my phone on me at all times. I'm not sure how they'd get around that though. As far as entering yardages manually, think about "most" golfers. They aren't exactly the most accurate when listing their yardages. Some are just dishonest about it, but actual yardages and a real understanding of how far they hit each club is a tough concept to grasp for a lot of golfers in my experience. That's one of the things this app tries to help people with, is seeing an actual representation of their yardages, rather than what they "feel" is their yardages. That said, for those of us that actually know our real distances, it would be nice to bypass that like you said.

[@karlditt]

@@GolfTestDummy I want to make it clear, I am not critizing you I just wanted to relate my experience so far. You did a great job with this video, I learned a lot about the app.

[@GolfTestDummy]

Oh no, I didn't take anything you said as criticism. I get what you're talking about. My only point was that most golfers are clueless or they misunderstand their actual distances.

[@koho4242]

For the chipper shot from the trees, why is rough selected on the app, shouldn't it be "recovery"?

[@craigmasson6176]

Nice review and great tips. Thanks!

[@Alex-jw4gf]

Good review, seen a comment i have noticed myself when chipping with any club, if it don't reach the average yards it doesn't put it to your stats.. one of the biggest thing for yardage if you go to the map view, look where it has the middle of the green set. Alot of my courses was off and had to change them. The front middle and back would be off alot on some. But anyways going to the watch help speed up my play so friends don't get mad lol

[@GolfTestDummy]

I keep going back and forth on the watch, and I want one, but they can be a chunk of change.

[@retired4365]

Good app that I've used for 8 rounds so far and like it.

[@PNWLiving1725]

Hey there is a way more for the free one I actually had it all my clubs it does keep track on a few different things and not obviously tracking all the time but you do get to do your spotting of the ball where you head and you can see your distances from your driver on each course of your plane actually see the overview map you can still share you can still do live scoring so your partners are using the same app Golf Pad they can also do that as well they can join up you know how to keep their score and then you can see where you guys are at all together it's pretty cool

[@rotfan77]

I just got the app and it also will link to your Apple Watch and show you the distance but as far as I can tell you can’t track your club on your watch, the Samsung watch that I saw a video on you could swipe up and pick your club mine does not allow that unless I just don’t see you how to do that, but I will Assume that I can change the club on the phone after the shot I do know there’s an option to put in all your clubs after you’re done with the hole that may be the way to go if using an Apple Watch?

[@rotfan77]

One question about the app, can it tell you how far it is to the water hazard. I found out the answer to this later you can click on the map at the top right and then click on the hazard and it will show you the distance to it.

[@minnyh]

Great stuff mate. Thanks for that.

[@stevehimmel7487]

Has anyone used the strokes-gained feature within Golf Pad? Considering a subscription to Golf Metrics but would love to hear some feedback on the Golf Pad version first. Thanks all!

[@Alan_Edwards]

I have tried so many golf apps and so far have not found one I really like. I might give this one a try. Can you put your phone in your back pocket versus on the ground?

[@GolfTestDummy]

Absolutely. I just did that so it was still in frame for the video.

[@stupleavin6263]

Hi. Late to this party and wondered have you tried the TAGS for this app? I would be interested in a 'how to' and review. I too like the CH work around for those punch shots. Thanks

[@GolfTestDummy]

I decided that the tags were just not worth the expense to try. I don't really see why they would be needed.

[@AntonyRoy426]

I've been using the tags for the last 3 years now and I can't be more happy with those. Easy to use, you just tap the tag on the back of your phone that is in your pocket and that works great! I also use the app on the smartwatch and Ihave all my golf club recommendations and yards left. That is the best setup you can have. Over 1200 holes played with the app so I now have pretty accurate stats and golf club recommendations.

[@GolfTestDummy]

Which watch did you get Antony?

[@AntonyRoy426]

@@GolfTestDummy I have the Samsung Gear S2. I'm planning to maybe upgrade to a more recent model as it doesn't always connect properly since the latest update of the Golfpad GPS app. That is not a big issue, I just restart the smart watch app and it works fine.

[@stupleavin6263]

@@AntonyRoy426 Hi. I've tried the in pocket way but it does not always work. Samsung S7..set up correctly. I now just take it of pocket tap it and swing. However in the app it does not always show ALL putts. Little glitches but I'm loving the Tags now.

[@chrismitchell5496]

used it from its intial launch. even had the golf pad inserts for the ends of your clubs. which was a game changer until it stopped working at the year mark and golf pad was basically like "sorry not sorry". wouldn't even apologize that it didn't last a full season. did get one tech that said he could walk me through soldering the circuits to correct the error i was getting...lol.. pass.. the app was great but their service was less than stellar. Switched to 18biridies free version last season.... have you tried that one?

[@GolfTestDummy]

I did briefly. I saw the tags for your clubs for Golf Pad, buy honestly, I just find that I don't need them. And they're pricey.

[@mcchacho1]

Just got the paid version. I saw that it takes ten rounds to average out shots for each club to get your distances. My lob wedge is typically 95 to 100 yards. Should I set up a chipper to choose if I am not taking a full swing with my lob wedge so it does not screw up my full swing distance? I will sometimes chip with various clubs so it seems like you would have to do it to maintain full swing accuracy with clubs. I'm thinking if you choose Sand from shot location it will not include that shot in your full swing distance with a sand wedge, wheras if you choose fairway and sand wedge it will? Lastly, any tips on how to best view the app in bright sun? Struggling with viewing on my Iphone in bright sun.

[@GolfTestDummy]

I learned after filming this that the app is intuitive enough to kick any anomalies out. Meaning punches, bad shots, partial shots, etc don't go toward your averages, so no need for the chipper option. As far as the bright sun, I struggle with that also, and my only solution is to use my body to shade the screen.

[@mikecoughlin4128]

I'm just researching this now and there don't seem to be too many reviews in recent years. Any thoughts on doing an update? I personally would be interested in knowing the least intrusive way to go through a round without looking at the app but still capturing all of my shots for later. Would I be able t just keep the phone in my pocket and touch the pad to it before each shot? I've tried several apps and they slow me down by having to use the phone all of the time or make me feel out of touch with my game because I'm spending so much tome on the screen.

[@GolfTestDummy]

I havent used the tags with it, and it can be a bit distracting at times to select the club before each shot.tojust try to play ready golf and use it at the beginning of my shot assessment, then put it in my back pocket.

[@Shane-cv2up]

Gidday Mate. I've been using this app for some time as well. You mentioned that you didn't want register your 5-iron on you wayward 2nd shot/2nd hole. When you select your club, at the top of the screen is a lie selection. You could have registered your 5-iron as a "recovery" shot to further span your 5-iron stat's. Very important to mark your lie when selecting your club to help keep your stat's accurate. Hope this helps champ.

[@GolfTestDummy]

Thanks for the tip! I knew there was the ability to change the lie, but never saw the recovery. That might be a game changer.

[@kennyg63]

Off the subject of this video what are you using as your golf mat in your garage?

[@GolfTestDummy]

It's a large piece of indoor turf that a college baseball coach nearby was giving away. He apparently has access to rolls of it.

[@chazvirdee2012]

Great video. Can it be connected to a samsung watch to make it likr a golf watch

[@GolfTestDummy]

Yes, I've used a Samsung watch with it.

[@paulchristie9170]

Why didn’t you use the sensors ?

[@zero1two3]

I like this app a lot as well and use it with Galaxy Watch Active 2. Great way to get data on your golf game!

[@GolfTestDummy]

How long have you had the watch working with the app? Any issues? Been weighing that purchase.

[@zero1two3]

@@GolfTestDummy to be honest the best part about the watch is seeing the yardage on your wrist. If you want to get the full potential of the app then the watch UI is not as easy to use vs just using your phone. If I'm playing a quick round with friends I just use the watch but if I'm working on something in my swing and want data I go back to using the UI of the phone.

[@V8rally]

I like the on course vids.

[@misstonya291]

Nice honest review

[@kevinjones340]

You still using this app? Looking to start using one since my range finder kicked the bucket

[@GolfTestDummy]

I do, yes.

[@kevinjones340]

@@GolfTestDummy awesome.... I played a round sort of up your way last weekend at Oak Hollow in High Point.... Merry Christmas

[@freezeseal]

Do you recommend this over The Grint?

[@GolfTestDummy]

I do. It's been the best I've tried so far.

[@davidriley6118]

Great Video...

[@jefft2193]

Great review !

[@jariallen653]

Did I miss the Sunday with GTD?

[@GolfTestDummy]

No, I didn't put one out. Work has been nuts lately and I just don't have the time. Vid dropping today.

[@rodofgod7394]

Excellent review

[@liamflanagan3430]

So does it read the yardage as you walk up to the ball or does it read it right away?

[@GolfTestDummy]

Let's say you tell it that you're hitting a 6 iron. After you hit your shot, as you're riding or walking to that shot, it will read as you go. So it reads it live. Once you get to your ball, wait a second or two, so that it settles on a number.

[@stevendayman6807]

I've just got this app for the first time can you keep your phone in your pocket for when you take your shot or do you have to have it out so it tracks

[@GolfTestDummy]

Oh yeah. You can keep it in your pocket. That's what I do. I kept it out for the purpose of the video.

[@aaronmarkham5903]

Does this app consider wind speed and direction when recommending which club?

[@GolfTestDummy]

I remember seeing something a while back mentioning wind, and that adding this was in the works. I know weather is included in the club recommendations when you look at the "plays like". Yardage. There's no way it would actually measure the wind where you're standing, but it would just go off of general weather and wind conditions.

[@aaronmarkham5903]

Thanks for that. I'm really condering purchasing. Do you still use this app?

[@GolfTestDummy]

Every round.

[@aaronmarkham5903]

@@GolfTestDummy I'm loving the app. Just wondering what club you use when punching a ball from out of the trees back onto the fairway? I've been using chipper but I'm not sure if this is affecting my strokes gained short game stat

[@braga786]

Hi how do you compare with SwingU app?

[@GolfTestDummy]

I've never used that app so I couldn't say.

[@rodofgod7394]

Can we use it inside home net practicing?

[@GolfTestDummy]

No, this is just a GPS app, unless there is something I'm missing. You would need a launch monitor or a simulator for any sort of data or shot extrapolation indoors.

[@bryanriccio2768]

Does it track the ball or from one point to the next when the phone is used.

[@GolfTestDummy]

It can only track your device, meaning the phone or a smart watch tied to the app.

[@bryanriccio2768]

@@GolfTestDummy got it thank you. I got the app last night and had no idea my samsung galaxy watch could be used. All over it now.

[@trulli1945]

Can I download the app to my Fibit Sense Watch?

[@GolfTestDummy]

I'm not sure about that watch. The Samsung watches work, but you'd have to search Googke for that.

[@Labgorilla]

234 yrds is absolutely fine. Real distance. No need to make excuses man.

[@kevinjones340]

we aint all Kyle Berkshire and hit 300 yard 8 irons.... keep up the great content.......

[@Bigdaddy078]

How does it compare to shot scope v3

[@GolfTestDummy]

I'm not sure. Haven't tried that one.

[@01devilboy]

silly question why you do you put the phone on the ground every shot why not put it in your pocket

[@GolfTestDummy]

I always do put it in my pocket when I use it, but for some reason, I felt like keeping it visible in the video was important, haha. It wasn't, but it was my thought at the time.

[@01devilboy]

@@GolfTestDummy no worries thaught I'd ask

[@ScooterMcB83]

Are you using the Golf Pad TAGS?

[@GolfTestDummy]

I'm not, no. I honestly thought about it, but I really don't see a need for it, and they are pretty expensive.

[@r1wonyzf]

G'day mate.i love your reviews .you say how it is basically.thanks for it all and keep it coming .cheers 🏌️🍻

[@mikelee7910]

Interesting review, starts with just buy the premium. Pass

[@pappapoff]

Rubbish app couldn't find my home course

[@StephenBlower]

It's a waste of money. GPS accuracy is a good 5 to 10 yards out. I've had putts being shown to be some 10 yards off the green on the map. GPS accuracy is not down to my phone, I use another app and it's accuracy is a more reasonable 1-2 yards. I am using an Android Phone and I used the paid version, and I used it for 2 months, I won't be using it again. Fine for tee to green. Pointless for Green to hole. Plus you have to edit the discrepancy on your phone, you can't use the website. 04:22 What a load of nonsense putting your phone on the ground. That makes a jot of difference with it being in your pocket. You are experiencing the same I did, GPS isn't very accurate on this app. That's not a GPS issue, it's the apps issue and how it uses GPS. It's using open source code and the poor variety at that so they don't have to pay too much to use that code. 05:47 That is a positive, it does exclude shots that are below the norm for you on distance for certain clubs. It doesn't do that when you get a flyer though, but that is very minor as you can choose to exclude this from being used to calculate your clubs distances.

[@GolfTestDummy]

Wow, I had no idea on some of those observations. But then again, like I said, I'm not a tech guy in the least, so it stands to reason that I have no grasp of how it all functions. In regards to your comments at the 4:22 mark, I generally don't do that, but I did for the purpose of the video. I normally have the phone mounted on my push cart, or put it in my pocket. I considered a smart watch to bypass all of that, but I've heard from several people that is either not needed or fails to work over time. As far as close to the greens yardage, I couldn't care less inside of 50 yards. It's all feel for me there, so I don't even look at the yardage at that point.

[@StephenBlower]

@@GolfTestDummy No worries, I'm not being critical of your review, just the app. I also had the TAGS, another waste, as just using the app to select the club before hitting the ball is actually quicker. I will provide honest critical feedback to GolfPadGPS.

[@GolfTestDummy]

I had the same thought on the tags. Very pricey and couldn't see the added benefit. One thing I havent done is check the app against my laser. Maybe some of those 412 yard drives are questionable.

[@latortugapicante719]

Big disagree… this is very accurate with yardage. Maybe it’s possible that your cellular service isn’t great where you are playing? I play with people who have range finders and this app is on the dot. Been using for years. You have to open the app and let it calibrate for literally 3 seconds and the distance is spot on. I am an iPhone user though