Last updated November 2026 · Made by the MATCHUPS team
Best Golf Buddies Trip App: Bets, Banter and Bragging Rights
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.
Disclosure: this page is made by the team behind MATCHUPS, so we list it first. Everything else is from each app's own site or App Store page, checked November 2026.
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.
Quick comparison
| 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. 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 |
The picks
1. MATCHUPS (made by us)
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
2. Squabbit
Best for: Groups who want chat and photos with scoring
Group chat and photo sharing for everyone in the event.
iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch (App Store listing) · Free core. Tournament Pro $29.99/event or $99.99/yr
3. 18Birdies
Best for: Groups that love lots of side bets
Up to 10 side games, including Nassau, Wolf, Vegas and Dots. iPhone and Android.
iPhone + Android, Wear OS · Free tournaments and leagues. Optional Premium
4. Golf GameBook
Best for: Groups who want a social feed
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. If you need those, 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.
Try MATCHUPS
Free on iPhone and Apple Watch.
Get it on the App StoreVisit matchupsgolf.com© 2026 MATCHUPS · matchupsgolf.com