How Auto Swing Detection Works in 18Birdies

Take your shot tracking to the next level! Using the sensors in your Apple Watch, 18Birdies can automatically detect and record the location of your golf shots during a round. 

Whether you’re using Classic Scoring or Strokes Gained, this feature helps you focus more on your game and less on your phone.

How to Get Started with Auto Swing Detection

  1. Wear Your Apple Watch:
    1. For the best accuracy, wear your Apple Watch on your lead wrist.
      1. Right-handed golfers: Use your left wrist.
      2. Left-handed golfers: Use your right wrist.

For now, Auto SwingTracking is only available for Apple Watch

  1. Open the App:
    1. Ensure 18Birdies is open on both your watch and phone, and your watch is synced.
  2. Start Your Round:
    1. Begin your round in 18Birdies and play as you normally would. 
    2. Auto Swing Detection works seamlessly for both Classic Scoring and Strokes Gained Tracking.

Note: While most full swings are automatically detected, putting and short chip shots may not always be detected due to their subtle motion. You can manually add these shots if needed.

How to View and Edit Detected Shots

View Detected Swings

Automatically detected swings for each hole can be easily reviewed.

  1. Tap Shots Detected on the scoring panel to open the automatically tracked shots for that hole. 
    1. Unconfirmed shots are indicated by the blue Add Shot link on the GPS map.
  2. Tap the Add Shot shots icon to view details, make changes, and tap Save.

*Don’t forget to add an Aim Point for each shot to track your Shot Dispersion. Tap Add Aim Point to add your target location.

Add, Edit, or Delete Shots

If you need to edit or add a missed shot, don’t worry, it is easy to update to keep your stats accurate.

  • Add a new shot: Tap +Shot at the bottom of the GPS screen.
  • Edit or delete: Tap the shot number icon on the GPS screen to change details or delete the shot.

Shot List

After making changes to your tracked shots or finishing a round, review your shots from the Shot List to ensure your stats are complete and accurate.

How It Works

18Birdies uses a proprietary machine learning algorithm to detect shots, combining swing detection with GPS tracking. Once a shot is confirmed, it’s saved as a tracked shot, just like manual tracked shots.

FAQs

  • Will it detect my practice swings?
    • Yes, but we’ve built logic to only detect one swing at a location. As long as your practice swings are near your ball, they shouldn’t cause issues. You can always edit detected shots later if needed.
  • Can I use Auto Swing Detection without an Apple Watch?
    • No, Swing Detection currently requires an Apple Watch, as it relies on the watch's sensors to detect swings.
  • Does Auto Swing Detection drain my Apple Watch battery?
    • Using Shot Detection may slightly impact your Apple Watch's battery life due to continuous sensor usage, however during our testing this has been negligible. We still recommend starting your round with a fully charged watch.
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