Last updated November 2026 · Made by the MATCHUPS team
Golf Buddies Trip App + Planning Guide
This is a guide first. Use it to plan the trip, then pick the app at the bottom.
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.
Pick a format
- Even group of 8? Split into two teams and play for a cup.
- Odd numbers? Play stroke play with a daily skins pot.
- Wide skill range? Scramble on day one so nobody gets buried early.
3-day schedule template
- Day 1, arrival round: 2-man scramble. Low stress, fast play.
- Day 2, the big day: best ball in the morning, match play in the afternoon.
- Day 3, getaway round: singles. Every point counts.
- Night: awards and settling up.
Side games that work
- Skins: win a hole outright, take the skin.
- High/Low: points for best and worst ball on each team.
- Hammer: double the bet mid-hole. Accept or concede.
- Closest to the pin on par 3s.
Mistakes to avoid
- Too many games at once. Pick two.
- Teams picked by the organizer alone. Draft them.
- Paper scorecards. Someone always loses one.
Which golf buddies trip app to use
| App | Platforms | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATCHUPS | iPhone + Apple Watch | Free. Tournament hosting free for 4 players, $49.99 one-time for 8 or 12 | iPhone groups who want team play plus awards |
| Squabbit | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch (App Store listing) | Free core. Tournament Pro $29.99/event or $99.99/yr | Free scoring across trips and leagues |
| 18Birdies | iPhone + Android, Wear OS | Free tournaments and leagues. Optional Premium | Groups with Android phones |
The picks
1. MATCHUPS (made by us)
Best for: iPhone groups who want team play plus awards
Scramble, Best Ball, Skins, High/Low, Low/Low and Hammer. 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: Free scoring across trips and leagues
Free core with Ryder Cup format and group chat.
iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch (App Store listing) · Free core. Tournament Pro $29.99/event or $99.99/yr
3. 18Birdies
Best for: Groups with Android phones
Free tournaments plus side games like Nassau and Wolf.
iPhone + Android, Wear OS · Free tournaments and leagues. Optional Premium
What MATCHUPS does not do
No Android. No Nassau, Wolf or Stableford. No GHIN sync. If you need those, pick another app above.
FAQ
How do you plan a golf buddies trip?
Lock dates, pick a format, set a schedule, then choose one scoring app for everyone.
What side games are best for a buddies trip?
Skins and Hammer are easy to learn. MATCHUPS scores both.
What app should a golf buddies trip use?
MATCHUPS for iPhone groups. 18Birdies if anyone is on Android.
Can MATCHUPS handle Wolf or Nassau?
No. 18Birdies lists both.
Try MATCHUPS
Free on iPhone and Apple Watch.
Get it on the App StoreVisit matchupsgolf.com© 2026 MATCHUPS · matchupsgolf.com