What are the different scoring modes on 18Birdies?

18Birdies offers different ways to keep score depending on how you want to play.

You can use classic score entry, automatic shot tracking, team scoring formats, or optional Side Games with friends.

In this Article:

  • What are scoring modes?
  • What scoring modes are available?
  • How do I choose the right scoring mode?
  • Can I use Side Games with my scoring mode?
  • Frequently Asked Questions

What are scoring modes?

Scoring modes control how you record your round in 18Birdies.

Some golfers prefer a manual score and stat entry. Others want automatic shot tracking, deeper performance stats, or team-based formats.

Your scoring mode may affect:

  • How you enter score
  • What stats you can track
  • Whether shots are tracked automatically
  • Whether you are playing as an individual or team
  • What scorecard view you see during the round

What scoring modes are available?

18Birdies includes the following scoring options:

Scoring Option Best For
Classic Score Entry Golfers who want to manually enter score and basic stats
Smart Tracking Golfers who want automatic shot tracking and deeper performance insights
Team Scoring Modes Golfers playing team formats like Scramble, Best Ball, or Alternate Shot
Side Games Golfers who want to add optional games or competitions to their round

Classic Score Entry

Classic Score Entry is the default way to keep score in 18Birdies.Use Classic Score Entry if you want full control over what gets entered during your round. You can manually enter:

  • Score
  • Putts
  • Fairways hit
  • Greens in regulation
  • Penalties
  • Chips, if available
  • Sand shots, if available

Classic Score Entry gives you all of the core scoring inputs, but you are responsible for entering them manually.

This is a good choice if you want a simple scorecard experience with optional manual shot tracking.

For more details, see Classic Score Entry.


Smart Tracking

Smart Tracking helps automatically detect and track shots during your round.

Use Smart Tracking if you want 18Birdies to help track the same types of scoring and shot data you can enter manually with Classic Score Entry, including:

  • Automatic shot detection
  • Automatic shot tracking
  • Shot locations
  • Club used
  • Putts
  • First putt distance
  • Penalties
  • Shot details

Smart Tracking can also contribute to your true club distances, which may help improve future club recommendations.

You still need to review and confirm your score, putts, first putt distance, penalties, clubs, and shot details after each hole.

For more details, see Smart Tracking.


Team Scoring Modes

Team Scoring Modes are used when players compete as a team instead of only as individuals.

Team formats may include:

  • Scramble
  • Best Ball
  • Alternate Shot

Team scoring is a good choice for charity events, casual team rounds, partner formats, and group competitions.

For more details, see Team Scoring Modes.


Side Games

Side Games are optional games or competitions that can be added to a round.

Side Games do not replace your main scoring mode. Your main scoring mode controls how scores are entered for the round. Side Games add another layer of competition using your round scores or game-specific rules.

Side Games may include both team games and individual games.

Side Game Type Available Games
Team Games Sixes, Match, Nassau, Vegas
Individual Games Skins, Dots, Wolf, Rolling Stroke, Points, Targets

Side Games are a good choice if you want to make a round more competitive, social, or fun while still keeping your normal scorecard.

For more details, see Side Games Overview.


Can I change scoring modes during a round?

Yes. You can switch between Classic Score Entry and Smart Tracking at any point during an active round.

To change between Classic Score Entry and Smart Tracking:

  1. Open the GPS screen during your round.
  2. Tap Tools in the bottom-right corner.
  3. Tap the Settings tab.
  4. Tap Round Settings.
  5. Find the scoring mode option.
  6. Select Classic Score Entry or Smart Tracking.
  7. Save your changes.

Important: You cannot switch into a team scoring mode during an active round. If you want to play a team format, such as Scramble, Best Ball, or Alternate Shot, you will need to start a new round and select the team scoring mode during round setup.


Can 18Birdies automatically track my score?

Yes. To automatically track your score, choose Smart Tracking as your scoring mode.

Smart Tracking helps automatically detect and track shots during your round. It can help record shot locations, shot distances, clubs used, putts, first putt distance, penalties, and shot details.

You should still review and confirm your score and shot details after each hole to make sure everything is accurate.

Smart Tracking can also contribute to your true club distances, which may help improve future club recommendations.

For full setup steps and troubleshooting, see Smart Tracking.


Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Smart Tracking to keep score?

No. You can use Classic Score Entry if you only want to enter score and basic stats.

What is the difference between Classic Score Entry and Smart Tracking?

Classic Score Entry is the default way to keep score in 18Birdies. It gives you the core scoring inputs, such as score, putts, fairways hit, greens in regulation, penalties, chips, and sand shots, but you enter them manually.

Smart Tracking helps automatically detect and track shots during your round. It can track the same scoring and shot data you can enter manually with Classic Score Entry, including shot locations, clubs, putts, first putt distance, penalties, and shot details.

Smart Tracking can also contribute to your true club distances, which may help improve future club recommendations.

You still need to review and confirm your score and shot details after each hole.

Can I keep score for other players?

Yes. You can add other players to your round and enter scores for them from the score entry screen or scorecard.

For more details, see Classic Score Entry.

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