Best Golf Buddies Trip App: Bets, Banter and Bragging Rights
Bets, banter and bragging rights. The apps that handle side games for a buddies trip, ranked.
Disclosure: The 19th Hole Gazette 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.
Buddies trips are about the bets and the stories, not your handicap.
So we judged apps on what friend groups care about: side bets, bragging rights and keeping everyone in one place.
What friend groups actually need
- One app everyone downloads before the first tee.
- Side bets the app settles for you.
- Something to laugh about at dinner.
Awards to hand out
- MVP: most points for the team.
- Sandbagger: beat their handicap the most.
- Hammer King: most Hammers thrown.
- Snowman: the night's worst hole.
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 | Friend groups who want bets and awards on iPhone |
| Squabbit | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch (App Store listing) | Free core (unlimited players). Tournament Pro $29.99/event or $99.99/yr | Groups who want chat and photos with scoring |
| 18Birdies | iPhone + Android, Wear OS | Free tournaments and leagues. Optional Premium | Groups that love lots of side bets |
| Golf GameBook | iOS + Android | Free app. Tournaments and Reds vs Blues need Gold | Groups who want a social feed |
Our picks
MATCHUPS
Best for friend groups who want bets and awards on iPhone. Skins, Hammer, High/Low, AI pro-style headshots and end-of-trip awards.
iPhone + Apple Watch · Free. Tournament hosting free for 4 players, $49.99 one-time for 8 or 12
Squabbit
Group chat and photo sharing for everyone in the event.
iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch (App Store listing) · Free core (unlimited players). Tournament Pro $29.99/event or $99.99/yr
18Birdies
Up to 10 side games, including Nassau, Wolf, Vegas and Dots. iPhone and Android.
iPhone + Android, Wear OS · Free tournaments and leagues. Optional Premium
Golf GameBook
Likes, comments and photos on the game feed. iOS and Android.
iOS + Android · Free app. Tournaments and Reds vs Blues need Gold
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 buddies trip app?
MATCHUPS for iPhone friend groups who want bets and awards. 18Birdies for the most side bets.
Which app has the most golf side bets?
18Birdies lists 10 games, including Nassau and Wolf.
Does MATCHUPS hand out awards?
Yes. End-of-trip awards are built in.
Is MATCHUPS on Android?
No. Android friends should use 18Birdies or Golf GameBook.
More reading
- Golf Side Bets Explained: Skins, Hammer, High/Low and More
- 12 Golf Trip Awards Your Group Will Fight Over
- How to Settle Golf Bets Without a Fight
- The Hammer Golf Game: Rules, Strategy and Etiquette
- MATCHUPS vs 18Birdies for Golf Side Bets
Full disclosure: The 19th Hole Gazette is made by the MATCHUPS team. MATCHUPS runs Skins, the Hammer and team games on iPhone and Apple Watch. Get it on the App Store · matchupsgolf.com