Apple Watch | Auto Swing Detection

Apple Watch Auto Swing Detection helps track shots from your wrist during a round.

By using the built in motion sensors in Apple Watch, 18Birdies can detect your swings automatically as you play, making it easier to track shots on the course.

What is Apple Watch Auto Swing Detection?

Apple Watch Auto Swing Detection uses the motion sensors in your watch to detect swings during a round. It is helpful to record where you are swinging so you can track shots and get your True Distances as you play.

Auto Swing Detection should work well for full and half swings outside of ~30 yards. Short chips, putts, or unusual swing motions may not be detected properly.

What do I need before using Auto Swing Detection?

Before your round, make sure:

The 18Birdies app is installed on your iPhone.
The 18Birdies app is installed on your Apple Watch.
Your iPhone and Apple Watch are connected.
Bluetooth is turned on.
Location Services are enabled.
Both devices are updated and charged.
You are wearing the watch on your lead wrist.

Auto Swing Detection on Apple Watch is only available to Premium Members.

How do I start Auto Swing Detection?

To use Auto Swing Detection:

Open 18Birdies on your iPhone.
Start a round using any scoring mode.
Open 18Birdies on your Apple Watch.
Connect the watch to your active round.

That’s it! If your watch is connected and you are a Premium member, Auto Swing Detection is always on by default throughout your round. You can confirm it is working by checking the top left of your Apple Watch screen after you take a swing – the distance to your last detected swing will be displayed.

For best results, keep your phone nearby during the round so your watch and phone can stay connected.

How can I track my shots using Auto Swing Detection?

Depending on the Scoring Mode you use, there are a few different ways you can utilize Auto Swing Detection to track shots as you play.

Smart Tracking

Auto Swing Detection on Apple Watch is incredibly effective for the Smart Tracking scoring mode. With Smart Tracking, you don’t have to do anything as you play the hole. Just input your score, putts, and first putt distance, and then your shots will be automatically placed where swings were detected throughout the hole. After the round, you’ll have Strokes Gained Stats and True Club Distances all automatically tracked.

Learn more about Smart Tracking on Apple Watch.

Classic Scoring

If you prefer to use the Classic Scoring mode and still want to track shots, there are two ways you can do so using Auto Swing Detection.

Track As You Play

When swings are detected, you will see an indicator showing the distance to your last detected swing. If you click directly on this section of the watch face, you will be taken to the Shot Tracking screen where you can adjust the club and save your shots.

Track After Each Hole

At the end of the hole, input your Score and Putts into the scoring panel on your phone. A banner will appear below the Putts input that says “Track Shots Automatically”. If you click on this banner, you can view where you took swings and add shots with a single tap, all powered by our Smart Tracking logic.

Learn more about Shot Tracking in Classic Scoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apple Watch automatically track every shot?

Apple Watch Auto Swing Detection can help detect many full and half swings, but it may not capture every shot.

Short chips, putts, unusual swings, or shots taken when the watch is not connected may need to be added or adjusted manually.

Do I need my phone with me?

For best results, keep your phone nearby during the round, especially if you have a model without cellular data.

Apple Watch behavior may vary by device, app version, connection status, and round setup.

Why did my watch ask me to enter wind, pin location, or first putt distance?

Some scoring, GPS, or Smart Tracking settings may prompt for additional details during the round.

These prompts can help improve distance, putting, and performance data. If you want a simpler scoring experience, review your scoring mode and tracking settings before or during the round.

Why is my watch showing tracking options instead of standard score entry?

Your round may be using Smart Tracking or another shot tracking mode. Smart Tracking will ask you to enter your score, putts, and penalties, and then prompt you to mark the pin location and your first putt distance.

To change scoring modes, open the GPS screen on your phone and go to Tools > Settings > Round Settings.

Why did my watch miss a shot?

A shot may be missed if the swing motion was too subtle, the watch was disconnected, the app was not active, the round was on the wrong hole, or the device had a temporary syncing issue.

Review the hole manually and add or adjust the shot details where available.

Why was the wrong club assigned?

Club assignment may be based on your golf bag, true club distances, club recommendations, or the selected target.

Recommendations may not always match your intended shot, especially on layups, doglegs, punch shots, or partial shots. Review and update the club where editing is available.

What should I do if Apple Watch tracking stops working?

Try these steps:

Make sure the 18Birdies app is open on your phone.
Make sure the 18Birdies app is open on your Apple Watch.
Confirm Bluetooth is on.
Confirm both devices are connected.
Make sure both devices have enough battery.
Close and reopen the 18Birdies app if needed.
Update the 18Birdies app on both devices.

If the issue continues, contact support@18birdies.com with your iPhone model, Apple Watch model, watchOS version, app version, course name, round date, and a description of what happened.

Where can I learn more about Smart Tracking on Apple Watch?

Smart Tracking with Apple Watch is a seamless experience that results in Strokes Gained Stats and True Club Distances, all automatically tracked. For more detailed setup and troubleshooting, see Smart Tracking - Apple Watch.