Disclosure: The League Desk 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.
Weekly leagues live or die on admin time. The right app turns a spreadsheet chore into five minutes.
Small group of friends or a 60-player club night, there is a fit below.
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 | Small friend leagues of up to 10 on iPhone |
| Golf League Guru | Web + iPhone/iPad app | Paid league software (see site) | Commissioners who want deep league admin |
| League Golfer | Web + iPhone/iPad app | Free app download (see site for league pricing) | Leagues that want scheduling plus live scoring |
| 18Birdies | iPhone + Android, Wear OS | Free tournaments and leagues. Optional Premium | Free season standings for any phone |
| Squabbit | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch (App Store listing) | Free core (unlimited players). Tournament Pro $29.99/event or $99.99/yr | Leagues that also run trips and outings |
Our picks
#1 MATCHUPS (made by us)
Best for small friend leagues of up to 10 on iPhone. Leagues free up to 10 players. Casual formats and Apple Watch GPS.
Platforms: iPhone + Apple Watch
Price: Free. Tournament hosting free for 4 players, $49.99 one-time for 8 or 12
#2 Golf League Guru
Best for commissioners who want deep league admin. Auto pairings, custom handicaps, skins, standings and sub requests.
Platforms: Web + iPhone/iPad app
Price: Paid league software (see site)
#3 League Golfer
Best for leagues that want scheduling plus live scoring. Scheduling, scoring, handicaps and live leaderboards with push alerts.
Platforms: Web + iPhone/iPad app
Price: Free app download (see site for league pricing)
#4 18Birdies
Best for free season standings for any phone. Leagues roll tournament results into season standings. Free to create and join.
Platforms: iPhone + Android, Wear OS
Price: Free tournaments and leagues. Optional Premium
#5 Squabbit
Best for leagues that also run trips and outings. Season-long league standings, group chat and handicap updates in the free core.
Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch (App Store listing)
Price: Free core (unlimited players). Tournament Pro $29.99/event or $99.99/yr
What a league app should handle
- Weekly pairings without a group text.
- Standings that update the minute scores go in.
- A simple handicap so mixed skill groups stay close.
- Subs. Someone always cancels.
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 league app?
For 10 friends on iPhone, MATCHUPS. For a big weekly league with a commissioner, Golf League Guru or League Golfer.
Is there a free golf league app?
Yes. MATCHUPS is free up to 10 players. 18Birdies leagues are free to create and join.
Does MATCHUPS calculate official handicaps?
No. MATCHUPS does not connect to GHIN. Leagues that need official indexes should look at Squabbit or Golf League Guru.
Can I run a Stableford league in MATCHUPS?
No. Try Squabbit or 18Birdies.
Does MATCHUPS work on Android?
No, iPhone and Apple Watch only.
More reading
- How to Start a Golf League With Friends
- A 12-Week Golf League Schedule Template
- Golf League Formats That Keep Everyone in the Race
- Golf League Rules for Subs, No-Shows and Rainouts
- MATCHUPS vs Golf League Guru
- MATCHUPS vs Squabbit for Golf Leagues
From the team: we make MATCHUPS, a free golf app for iPhone and Apple Watch. Leagues are free up to 10 players. App Store · matchupsgolf.com