There are so many apps out there that it's way past the point of being overwhelming. Apps can do almost anything, and that's good for golfers. Instruction, humor, news, course management—use them right and smartphones can be a golfer's best friend.
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GOPRO
GoPro's app syncs with your smartphone via the camera's built-in Wi-Fi network. This allows you to control your camera remotely using your phone, change the camera's settings and see what the camera sees on the screen of your phone. Cost: free.More information on this app
FIND MY IPHONE
It used to be that if you lost your phone on the course, getting it back depended on a good Samaritan turning it in. Now there's an app for that. With Find My iPhone, if you lose your phone, head to your nearest laptop and sign into iCloud to track it down. Cost: free.More information on this app
THINQ GOLF
ThinQ uses a series of games to improve the brain functions important to playing good golf. There are five components (synchronicity, intention, adaptability, attention and awareness), and they get increasingly difficult the more you play. Cost: Subscription is $8 a month or $80 a year.More information on this app
GOLFLOGIX
The most widely used distance-measuring app provides users real-time yardages, Golf Digest instruction tips personalized to your weaknesses, 3-D course layouts, calorie counter and tee-time booking, among many other things. Cost: Free with options for various in-app purchases ranging from 99 cents to $24.99.More information on this app
V1 GOLF
It's tough to beat V1's app when it comes to video analysis. Simply upload videos of your swing and compare it to a smattering of other tour pros or draw plane lines to your heart's content. Cost: $4.99 with in-app purchases available.More information on this app
WGT
The highly rated World Golf Tour app is a 3-D golf video game that lets you play courses like Bandon Dunes, Pebble Beach and St. Andrews. Cost: free.More information on this app
GHIN
Getting and maintaining a handicap used to be tedious, but the USGA's handicap app makes it easy and enjoyable. It works like this: You find the course you just played, input your score and continue doing whatever you were doing. It takes about two minutes. Cost: free.More information on this app
FLAGHI
Golfers who travel a lot know that club selection can depend on altitude, temperature and humidity. FlagHi's algorithm adjusts for conditions before giving you the distance. Cost: 99 cents or $2.99 for the Pro version, which includes more tools.More information on this app
AUTHENTIC WEATHER
The foul-mouthed weather app keeps the forecast general but very funny. Some examples: "Meh... Just stay in bed." "Get your f---ing umbrella." "It's too damn hot." Cost: 99 cents.More information on this app