Picture it…Tiger Woods is on the 18th tee up by two strokes about to seal the deal on his 15th major and you’re stuck outside the house without a TV in sight. Perhaps you’re trapped at your boss’s wedding (it’s his third one by the way) or worse, you’re buddy’s kid’s dance recital. Regardless of your unfortunate circumstances, Tiger waits for no one. But fear not, if you have a smartphone in hand, we’ve got you covered.
That said, here is our list of the best apps to watch golf on your smartphone or tablet to keep you up to date with live streaming tournamnets, rapid-fire highlights, in-depth stats, and more.
Click Here to download the Golf Live Extra app on iTunes
Golf Live Extra App (by Golf Channel)
Available on iTunes for iOS devices and Android
Cost: Free
Description: In our opinion the Golf Live Extra app is currently the hands-down best way to watch your weekly non-major golf tournament on your mobile device. The app is free but in order to watch live golf you’ll need to prove that you have a subscription to the Golf Channel by logging in with your cable provider access information.
The Golf Live Extra app allows you to stream any live Golf Channel program and the quality is crystal clear when connected to Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, or any other high bandwidth service. You can also select to watch number of previously recorded clips and highlights.
Note: Golf Live Extra is available for most major cable providers including DIRECTV, Comcast, Xfinity, Charter, Verizon FIOS, DISH Network, Cox, Cablevision Optimum, Suddenlink, Mediacom, ATT U-Verse and over 150 other providers.
WatchESPN App (by ESPN)
Available on iTunes for iOS devices and Android
Cost: Free
Description: Occasionally certain golf events, like the British Open, are broadcast on ESPN. When this is the case, you can easily stream a live feed from any of the ESPN channels (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, and ESPN Deportes) via the WatchESPN app. Similar to Golf Live Extra, the app is free but you must log in with your cable provider credentials in order to view the live feed.
The program also allows you to watch up-to-date highlights, news, and analysis, as well as live streaming feeds of your other to ESPN shows. Overall there isn’t much functionally relating to golf with this app but it’s great to have in a pinch when ESPN has the rights to a live tournament. As of the writing of this article there isn’t even a golf category under the sports section of the app. Cricket and wrestling yes, but no golf…go figure.
Note: WatchESPN is available for most major cable providers including DIRECTV, Comcast, Xfinity, Brighthouse, Google Fiber, Midcontinent Communications, Charter, Verizon FIOS, DISH Network, Cox, Cablevision Optimum, and ATT U-Verse
Click Here to download the PGA TOUR app on iTunes.
PGA TOUR ‘14 App (PGA TOUR, LLC)
Available in iTunes for iOS devices and Android
Cost: Free
Description: Recently updated, the PGA TOUR ’14 app now offers limited (but happily free) live streaming coverage of some events through its relationship with PGATOUR.com and the Golf Channel. The streaming video is not perfect in that it tends to re-route users through its web portal but it will certainly work in a pinch. The app is also a great way get real time leaderboard updates, live player scorecards, groupings with tee time and location, course details, season schedule, and information about other TOURs, like the Champions Tour, Web.com Tour, NEC Series, and PGA TOUR Canada Coverage.
Note: Although the PGA TOUR app has had its share of glitches, we like the fact that it appears to be updated regularly with new functionality. If you’re a golf fan, you need this app in your smartphone arsenal.
Apps for Watching the Majors
It’s no secret the Majors get the most coverage and therefore it comes as no surprise that all four major golf tournaments each have their own apps ready to be downloaded. Each app offers insight into each tournament with in-depth analysis, live coverage, bonus cameras on featured groups and certain holes, stats, highlights, and live scoring updates. Here they are:
Click Here to download The Masters app on iTunes.
The Masters App (by Augusta National, Inc)
Available in iTunes for iOS devices and Android
Cost: Free
Description: The Masters app is quite possibly one of the most beautiful programs you’ll ever put on your smartphone, proving without a doubt that Augusta National doesn’t do anything half way. The app is powered by IBM and includes a live stream of the Wednesday Par 3 Contest, tournament play at Amen Corner (Holes 11, 12, 13), tournament play at holes 15 and 16, two channels of featured groups on the second 9-holes, Masters On-the-Range, and the Masters Green Jacket Ceremony live. Give this one a download and trust us, you’ll be glued to it for those four magical days in April.
Note: Make sure to check out the iPad version of the app to unlock its true beauty, complete with stunning pictures, live scoreboard, and videos.
The U.S. Open App (by USGA)
Available in iTunes for iOS devices and Android
Cost: Free
Description: Like the Masters App, users can stream live coverage with marquee groups, often granting even more coverage than you’ll find on TV alone. The app also lets you enjoy on demand highlights and interviews throughout the week. Currently, the 2014 edition is not available, so check back a few weeks before this tournament begins to download the newest edition of this app.
Click Here to download The Open Championship app on iTunes.
The Open Championship (by The R&A)
Available in iTunes for iOS devices and Android
Cost: Free
Description: The Open Championship App has been updated through 2013 but a version is not yet available for 2014 (expect a release later this year). In previous editions of this app, users were given up-to-the-minute live scoring, video highlights and a revamped course guide. They offer coverage of certain holes, but you may need to use the WatchESPN app to watch this event live if ESPN continues its coverage of the event.
The PGA Championship App (by PGA.com)
Available in iTunes for iOS devices and Android
Cost: Free
Description: Like the other major coverage apps, users of the PGA Championship app can stream live coverage with marquee groups and stay up to date with on demand highlights and interviews throughout the week. However, like the Open Championship app, currently the 2014 edition is not available, so check back a few weeks before this tournament begins to download the newest edition of this app.
Know of any additional apps to watch golf that we may have missed? If so, leave your suggestions in the comments below.
(Cover Photo Credit)